It is a well known fact that resorption of tissue and alveolar bone occurs at a rapid rate immediately upon total loss of teeth and roots. What is not well known are established facts relating to the actual rate at which the alveolar bone resorption occurs to the edentulous patient versus the patient retaining some tooth roots in conjunction with partial dentures or conventional overdentures.
The following are summaries from research studies on proproception and resorption of alveolar bone with comparisons between fully edentulous patients versus those with conventional partials or overdentures.
.
Description of Study
Vertical loss of alveolar bone. 1975-Four year study by Drs. Crum & Rooney
Alveolar bone loss around mandibular teeth under a partial denture 1969-Seven year study by Dr. Tallgren
Vertical resorption of mandibular vs maxillary 1969-Seven year study by Dr. Tallgren
Proprioception-Average threshold of detection on incisal of anterior Study by Dr. Manly
Full Denture
5.0 mm
6.6 mm
1.7 mm upper 6.6 mm lower 8.3 mm Total
110-120 grams of force
Overdenture or Partial
.6 mm
.8 mm
X
1 gram of force
These factors, in addition to the psychological effect suffered, the loss of perception, directional sensitivity, and apparent loss of salivary secretion when patients are rendered totally edentulous. The prescription of Cu-SilŪ partials significantly postpones or avoids the total loss of teeth, and largely alleviates these serious problems.