Increase of salivary flow rate along with improved occlusal force after the replacement of complete dentures

ObjectiveWe hypothesized that improvement of occlusal force would cause an increase in salivary flow rate (SFR) even in elderly complete denture wearers. The purpose of this study was to examine the change of SFR after the replacement of complete dentures.Study designSubjects were 22 edentulous outpatients of the Osaka University Dental Clinic. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected for 5 minutes. Stimulated whole saliva was collected for 2 minutes. The maximal occlusal force was measured with pressure-sensitive sheets. All measurements were done before and after replacement of the dentures.ResultsThe replacement of complete dentures improved maximal occlusal force and increased their stimulated and unstimulated SFR. Stimulated SFR was positively correlated with unstimulated SFR both before and after the replacement. Maximal occlusal force, stimulated SFR, and unstimulated SFR after the replacement were significantly correlated to the measurements before the replacement.ConclusionsThese results suggest that proper prosthetic treatment can increase not only maximal occlusal force but also salivary flow rate.