The proportion of 3 classes of lateral throat form.

The aim of this study was to investigate the proportion of 3 Neil's classifications of lateral throat forms and the difference in the length of the lateral throat form between the dentures and the patient's actual anatomy. The classification of lateral throat form was determined by the patient's functional movements, and an implant depth gauge was used to measure the length of the lateral throat form in the patient's mouth and compare it to that of the dentures. One hundred mandibular edentulous patients were measured. The proportion of Neil's Class I lateral throat form was 70%, the proportion of Class II was 25%, and the proportion of Class III was 5%. The mean difference between the actual lateral throat forms and the dentures was 6.7 +/- 2.9 mm at the anterior point of measurement (from the anterior part of the retromolar pad to the mouth floor) and 10.0 +/- 3.7 mm at the posterior point (from the middle of the retromolar pad to the mouth floor). The difference in length between the ridge height of the mouth and the denture was statistically significant (P < .001).

Predictable reproduction of the buccal shelf area in mandibular dentures.

The objective of this study was to assess whether a periodontal probe measurement could be used to obtain a predictable reproduction of the buccal shelf areas in mandibular dentures. One hundred patients were measured for the anterior, middle, and posterior width of the buccal shelf with a periodontal probe. This measurement was then compared with that of the corresponding portion of the existing denture. At each portion, there were statistically significant differences in the width of the buccal shelf and that of the corresponding portion of the existing denture from dental clinics of general dentists. The periodontal probe could be used to measure the width of the buccal shelf to obtain a predictable reproduction of the buccal shelf areas in mandibular dentures.

A descriptive 18-year retrospective review of subperiosteal implants for patients with severely atrophied edentulous mandibles.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Fabricating dentures for the patient with severe mandibular atrophy can be a challenge for both the dentist and patient. Subperiosteal implants with a mandibular overdenture may be a solution for the atrophic mandible. PURPOSE: The purpose of this retrospective study was to review the survival of mandibular subperiosteal implants placed at the University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC) School of Dentistry Graduate Prosthodontics program between 1982 and 2000. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty subperiosteal implants were placed in atrophic mandibles of 40 patients (33 women, 7 men) between 1982 and 2000. The age range of the patients was 47 to 80 years of age at time of placement (mean=62 years). Each patient was reviewed clinically by an author (DJM). Manual depression and lifting of the framework were used to evaluate the stability of the implant. Additionally, the implants were observed for any movement. Each patient was questioned for pain or discomfort. Each patient was examined for observable inflammation and intraoral exposure of the framework and questioned as to whether the implant had satisfied the patient and met the patient's expectations. RESULTS: Thirty-nine of the 40 original patients were recalled in 2000. One patient had died. Fourteen patients had implants for over 10 years, 12 patients had implants between 5 and 10 years, and 12 patients had implants for less than 5 years (mean time of implant service=8 years). Thirty-eight patients had the implant in place with no sign of inflammation or mobility, 1 patient with diabetes had inflammation around one of the struts. All patients were wearing their prostheses, and there was no sign of exposed implant framework for any patient. All patients reported a high level of satisfaction with the implant. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, the mandibular implants placed at UMKC were still functioning, and all patients denied any discomfort or pain from the prostheses. Patients reported they were comfortable and able to function with the implant-supported prosthesis.