Abstract

Statement of problem: Oral sensory ability has been found to be associated with masticatory performance; therefore, decline of the oral sensory ability may be a significant factor linked to masticatory disorder in the elderly. Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the age-related difference in oral sensory function by testing oral stereognostic ability (OSA) and to determine the effect of wearing complete dentures on OSA. Materials and method: Volunteer dentate (20 persons) and edentulous (30 persons) elderly patients were randomly selected from among patients of the Govt. Dental College and Hospital. Each edentulous subject was wearing maxillary and mandibular complete denture. As controls, 30 volunteer students from the graduate school of dentistry, all having 28 teeth, also participated in this study. Study group was divided into four groups: Group A (Old dentate), Group B (Old edentulous with denture), Group C (Old edentulous without denture) and Group D (Young dentate). The OSA tests were conducted using test pieces with 12 different shaped forms. The score of the responses and the length of time needed for identification were analysed as the OSA score and response time, respectively. ANOVA and paired t-tests were used to examine significant differences. P-values <0.05 were considered to be statistically significant.

Description

oral stereognosis, dentures, in vivo, age, OSA, old edentulous