THE CONSEQUENCES OF REDUCED POSTERIOR EDENTULISM IN A GROUP OF STUDENTS FROM CLUJ – NAPOCA

Abstract

Background: The posterior short edentulism induces an imbalance in dental-maxillary system during time, the possible consequences affecting any of its components: teeth, periodontium, joints, muscles and nerves. Methods and Materials: The study was performed in the Department of Prosthodontics “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj Napoca and 81 subjects with reduced posterior edentulism were enrolled.The clinical examination entailed occlusal analysis (maximum intercuspation and centric relation position, anterior and left and right lateral guidance), muscle analysis (masticatory and head and neck muscles) and temporo-mandibular analysis (palpation and auscultation). Dental position modification and occlusal analysis were also assessed in a semi-adjustable articulator (Bioart A7 Plus). Results:The most frequent consequences found were: the vertical migration of the upper molars with no antagonist (72,41%),the mesial tooth translated distally in the lower arch (65.28%) and in the upper arch the horizontal migration were quasi equal medially and distally (72.41% and 79.31% respectively). Periodontal modifications, such as gum recession in teeth neighbouring the edentulism, were found. The muscular modifications were minimal and the joint modifications were the asymmetry of condylar movements. Conclusion:The results showed that postponing the treatment of posterior edentulism (even reduced) induced modifications in the dental-maxillary apparatus which subsquently produced important repercussions in oral health status and complicated the treatment plan.

Keywords

• dental position modifications
• dento-maxillary system
• muscular system
• occlusal disease
• posterior edentulism
• tmj