Masticatory function parameters in patients with varying degree of mandibular bone resorption

Purpose: This cross-sectional study analyzes how bone resorption affects the masticatory function and investigates the relation between perceived and measured masticatory function. Methods: Thirty complete dentures wearers were divided in two groups according to mandible bone atrophy based on the classification criteria from Cawood & Howell. Retention and stability of the mandibular complete denture, masticatory performance (MP) indexes (X_50 and B) and masticatory efficiency (ME, sieves 4 and 2.8) were evaluated. Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) and Dental Impact on Daily Living (DIDL) questionnaires were completed by the patients. Results: A strong correlation between bone atrophy and poor retention was found (P = 0.0132). Neither masticatory performance indexes nor GOHAI and DIDL domains showed statistical differences (P > 0.05) when patients were compared according to the atrophy criteria. Mandibular length showed a negative correlation with ME4, showing a positive association (R-2 = 0.17, beta = -0.67, P = 0.029). Mandibular denture retention was significantly correlated with MPB (P = 0.01) and ME2.8 (P = 0.01). GOHAI showed a positive association between the physical and the functional domains and ME2.8 (R-2 = 0.17; beta = 1.22; P = 0.02). DIDL showed a negative association between ME4 and oral comfort domain (R-2 = 0.16; beta = -2.94; P = 0.02). Conclusion: Mandibular bone height does not directly affect the masticatory function and is inversely correlated with the self-perceived masticatory ability. (C) 2016 Japan Prosthodontic Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.