Spatial relationship between anatomic landmarks in edentulous patients: a radiographic study

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Oral Anatomy
• Prosthodontics

Background:

• Accurate identification of anatomical landmarks is crucial for successful complete denture fabrication.
• Edentulous patients present unique challenges in prosthodontic treatment planning due to bone resorption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To locate and identify specific anatomical landmarks in the residual ridges of edentulous patients.
• To record the spatial relationships of these landmarks within denture bases using cephalometric radiography.

Main Methods:

• Sixty-seven edentulous patients participated in the study.
• Metallic wires were embedded in acrylic resin denture bases to mark anatomical landmarks: residual ridge crests, incisive papillae, maxillary tuberosities, and mandibular retromolar pads.
• Occlusal cephalometric radiographs were taken with the mandible in centric relation to capture spatial data.

Main Results:

• The study successfully located and identified the specified anatomical landmarks within the denture bases.
• Spatial relationships between these landmarks were recorded using cephalometric radiography.

Conclusions:

• The methodology provides a reliable approach for documenting anatomical landmarks in edentulous patients.
• This data can inform the design and fabrication of more stable and functional complete dentures.