Use of impression technique to identify areas of super compression before installation of new complete dentures: a randomized double-blind trial.

OBJECTIVE: To identify pressure areas using an impression technique and to evaluate whether adjustment of dentures prior to installation can decrease ulcer frequency, number of adjustments, and improve satisfaction with treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty complete denture users were selected and randomly divided into two groups. Pressure areas were identified in 25 subjects using the impression technique with fluid silicone, and the denture base in these areas was adjusted before installation. A total of 25 subjects received new complete dentures without adjustments before installation. The number of ulcers observed was registered at 1, 7, 15, and 30 days after installation. Patient satisfaction was collected before and 1 month after the installation. The number of necessary post-installation adjustments was considered. Comparisons between the groups with respect to the number of ulcers, adjustments, and patient satisfaction were performed using the Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: Identification of pressure areas reduced the number of ulcers after installation of the new prostheses. These results were observed in the 1- (p = 0.004) and 7-day (p = 0.002) adjustments for the maxilla and in all the adjustments for the mandible. The technique improved patient satisfaction (p = 0.031) and reduced the number of post-installation adjustments (p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSION: A reduction in the incidence of ulcers, number of adjustments and improvement in patient satisfaction could be observed with the use of the technique.