Changes in nerve supply to aging human gingiva.

The innervation of the gingivae of dentulous and edentulous individuals was studied. There was a decrease in the number of nerves in the gingivae of dentulous individuals. The nerves present showed degenerative changes such as fibrosis, fragmentation, and reticulation. In the edentulous gingivae, there was a marked loss of nerves and terminal endings. Nerves observed were restricted to the base of the lamina propria adjacent to the underlying bone.

The significance of age changes in human alveolar mucosa and bone.

The denture-bearing mucosa of aged maxillary and mandibular ridges show morphologic changes that are irreversible. These changes limit the extensibility and the rebound capacity of the denture-bearing area.