Abstract
Purpose: The difference in salivary flow rates between non-removable partial denture (RPD) wearers and regular RPD wearers is not well investigated. The purpose of this study was to examine the change in salivary flow rate after the insertion of dentures in elderly patients, especially for those with a shortened dental arch (SDA). Factors associated with the changes were also investigated. Subjective measures of oral dryness were also assessed to investigate changes in the amount of individual salivary flow associated with denture usage.
Methods: Fifty-five participants were enrolled, including subjects not wearing dentures (ND: n=21) and subjects wearing dentures (WD: n=33) at the commencement of the study. Unstimulated saliva (US) and stimulated saliva (SS) were collected at baseline and at the 1-month follow up. Follow-up was performed 1 month after insertion for ND subjects,and 1 month after baseline measurements for WD subjects. Maximal occlusal force and an oral dryness questionnaire were administered at baseline and follow-up.
Results: ND subjects showed significantly lower US values at baseline (ND: 0.04 mL/min,WD: 0.12 mL/min, p=0.007). At follow-up, no significant difference in US was observed between the groups (WD: 0.10 mL/min, ND: 0.08 mL/min, p=0.57). At follow-up,salivary flow rate and subjective measures improved in the ND group.
Conclusions: Patients without RPDs had lower salivary flow rates than those wearing dentures. Increases in US flow rate and improvements in subjective oral dryness were observed after denture insertion.
