Evaluation of masticatory function of patients with implant supported dento-maxillary prosthesis in the patients after malignant mandibular tumor resection

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate subjectively and objectively the masticatory function of patients with implant-supported mandibular dento-maxillary prostheses. Three patients underwent partial resection of the mandible for the treatment of oral carcinomas involving gingiva, floor of the mouth and/or tongue. Occlusal reconstruction was achieved using an overdenture type dento-maxillary prosthesis supported by endosseous implants. Thereafter, masticatory function was assessed by a questionnaire, masticatory efficiency of a gummy jelly and maximal occlusal force. According to the analysis of questionnaires, all patients were satisfied with their prosthesis. The masticatory efficacy and maximal occlusal force were improved in all patients, but the improvement was dependent on the defect of the mandible, the condition of the upper teeth and the morbidity of the tongue.
These results indicate that our methods to measure masticatory function are useful to demonstrate the efficacy of implant-supported mandibular prostheses.