[A follow-up study on changes in mastication after insertion of mandibular bilateral free end saddle denture by EMG]

The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in the mandibular shortened arch, whose occlusal deficit had been reconstructed by removable partial denture, during mastication by using the EMG analyzing system. A total of 5 shortened dental arch patients was provided with RPDs, and observed by a sophisticated masticatory analyzing system using EMG, before and one day, about 2 weeks, 3 months, after denture insertion. The conclusions were as follows: i) The elements of the shortened arch during mastication, that is, the duration, interval, and cycletime, were prolonged at the time of insertion of RPD, but 3 months after denture insertion, they were shortened to almost the same state as before treatment. ii) Prosthetic treatment for shortened dental arch improved revitalization of functional musculatures, and their rhythmicity of functional procedure. iii) The functional tongue room for optimal bolus position in mastication was provided by insertion of mandibular bilateral free end saddle removable partial denture.