Risk factors for mandibular bone resorption in complete denture wearers

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of factors related to the patient (age, sex, bruxism, and general health) or prosthesis (use of old dentures, duration of denture wear, and nocturnal wear) on the mandibular ridge resorption rate (RRR) of complete denture (CD) wearers. This retrospective cohort study was composed of edentulous patients who sought prosthodontic treatment for maxillary and mandibular CDs. The mandibular RRR was estimated based on panoramic radiographs (n = 120) obtained at the time of the clinical examination. The total height of the alveolar process was considered to be 3 times the distance from the inferior border of the mandible to the lower border of the mental foramen. Radiographic measurements were performed by 1 calibrated examiner. Data were collected from dental records related to the patient or prosthesis. Data were evaluated by 1-way analysis of variance or Student t test at a significance level of 5%. Of the factors evaluated, age (P ∼ 0.000), previous use of CDs (P ∼ 0.000), and bruxism history (P = 0.003) were statistically significant for the mandibular RRR. The RRR was greater among patients older than 60 years, those who had been wearing old CDs, and those who reported bruxism. Thus, the study results showed the negative influence of advanced age, use of old dentures, and bruxism on mandibular RRR.