Signs and Symptoms of Mandibular Dysfunction in Complete Denture Wearers Five Years after Receiving New Dentures

Abstract

Studies have shown that signs and symptoms of mandibular dysfunction are a common finding in complete denture wearers. There is, however, a low representation of these patients in clinical series, probably due to their lower propensity to seek help and their greater willingness to accept a certain degree of dysfunction compared to other patients.

The author of this article examined a group of complete denture wearers five years after treatment with new complete dentures. These findings are compared with the situation before treatment and at a six-month follow-up. Clinical signs of dysfunction were a common finding on all three occasions. The favorable decrease of clinical signs that was noted at the six- month follow-up was generally followed by some relapse after five years.

The author stresses that a recall system, including correction of the dentures when needed, is important. This will not only preserve good comfort and extend the life of the dentures, but will also prevent or delay the development of signs and symptoms of mandibular dysfunction.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Tomas Magnusson

Tomas Magnusson, L.D.S., Odont, Dr.

Dr. Magnusson graduated from the School of Dentistry at the University of Goteborg, Sweden, in 1974. He spent five years in the national dental service in Lapland, and then returned to Goteborg, where he received his Odont. Dr. (Ph.D.) in 1981. He has been chief of the Clinic of Stomatognathic Physiology in Lulea, Sweden, since 1980.

Dr. Magnusson belongs to the Society of Oral Physiology/Store Kro Group and the Swedish Society for Prosthetic Dentistry and Stomatognathic Physiology. He has published numerous articles and has given several courses in the field of stomatognathic physiology. He is also the co-author of a text on this subject, which has been published in both Swedish and Greek editions.