Analysis of the prevalence of different topographical characteristics of the residual ridge in mandibular free-end arches.

Abstract

This study observed the prevalence of different types of residual ridge inclination in free-ends of mandibles and reported possible correlative factors that may affect resorption. For this purpose, periapical radiographs and individual data collected from a sample of 64 hemiarches were used. Two radiographs were taken of each free-end, and tracing was employed to determine the angles formed by the resorption configuration in the area of the 1st mandibular molar. The following conclusions were drawn: 1). the great majority of alveolar ridges were distally descending; 2). the average angle was wider for users of mandibular removable partial dentures; 3). the results obtained suggest that the type of opposing maxillary arch affects the inclination of mandibular ridges; 4). greater inclination was observed when the 2nd bicuspids of the mandible were the abutment teeth; 5). no significant correlation was established between age, sex and residual ridge resorption.