Clinical morbidity and sequelae of treatment with complete dentures

Wearing complete dentures may have adverse effects on the health of both the oral and the denture-supporting tissues. This article is a review of selected literature on the sequelae of treatment with complete dentures in the specific areas of residual ridge resorption, mucosal reactions, burning mouth syndrome, temporomandibular disorders, and patient satisfaction. Recent literature found with a Medline search from 1952 to 1996 is included in this review. Residual ridge resorption is an inevitable consequence of tooth loss and denture wearing, with no dominant causative factor having been found. Mucosal reactions have a multifactorial cause, most of which can be easily treated. Most patients are satisfied with their complete dentures. Correlations between anatomic conditions and denture quality and patient satisfaction are weak. Psychologic factors seem to be extremely important in the acceptance of and adaptation to removable dentures. There are still no reliable methods to predict the outcome of complete denture treatment and there are many problems related to treatment with complete dentures. Although the prevalence of an edentulous condition is decreasing, the great number of edentulous people warrants the continuing efforts of basic and clinical research on removable partial dentures. Complete denture prosthodontics will remain an important part of dental education and practice. In addition to clinical and technical skills, insight into patient behavior and psychology and communication techniques are also necessary.