Improved Masticatory Performance in the Partially Edentulous Rehabilitated with Conventional Dental Prostheses

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Prosthodontics
• Oral Rehabilitation

Background:

• Tooth loss compromises mastication, a critical oral function.
• Oral rehabilitation aims to restore masticatory efficiency.
• Partially edentulous patients often require prosthetic solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate masticatory performance improvement with removable partial dentures (RPDs) and fixed partial dental prostheses (FPDPs).
• To assess changes in occlusal contact area (OCA) and patient satisfaction.
• To analyze outcomes based on edentulism type and prosthesis design.

Main Methods:

• 34 partially edentulous patients received RPDs or FPDPs.
• Masticatory performance was assessed using a standardized assay.
• Occlusal contact area (OCA) and patient satisfaction (VAS) were measured.

Main Results:

• Masticatory performance increased by 20% (p < 0.05) post-rehabilitation.
• Occlusal contact area (OCA) improved by 4.7 mm² (p < 0.05).
• Patient satisfaction with chewing ability increased by 9% (p < 0.05) at 3 months.

Conclusions:

• Conventional dental prostheses effectively improve masticatory performance in partially edentulous individuals.
• RPDs and FPDPs enhance OCA, except for Kennedy class I RPDs.
• Patient satisfaction with chewing function improved significantly in Kennedy class III patients with RPDs.