Discussion
loss of denture, denture, edentulous, pain
COMPLICATION, COMPLICATIONS
This clinical trial was done in pursuit of a reliable and less time-consuming technique to restore the lost OVD for the fabrication of complete dentures and to find out a practical solution for the patient and the dentist by measuring the length of the index finger and correlating it with the distance measured from the base of the nose (Sn) to base of the chin (Me) and to later assess denture satisfaction by comparing both the methods. The present study was carried out on edentulous patients and most of the patients were females, average age of the patients was 58.23 years and the mean values for length of index finger in males was measured to be 70.12 ± 7.08 and in females 68.97 ± 3.72. The index finger selected was of the right hand as there are no differences in symmetry, and this uniform the method for measurementsIn harmony with the present study, no significant differences between the OVD measured from Sn–Me to the length of 2D. However the mean values of OVD and 2D measurements (78.4 mm for dentate and 83.2 mm for edentulous individuals) did not correlate with the distances recorded for our studyIt is vital to remember that all the comparable as well as contrasting studies mentioned have suggested the finger length method for the measurement of correct OVD for future projections. The dissimilar results, however, are due to the differences in gender and demographic ethnicity and involvement of younger dentate participants.The current study’s second objective was to evaluate denture satisfaction regarding the determination of OVD using the length of 2D of the right hand after 1 week of follow up. Collectively 90.1% (64 out 71) from both groups and a total of 97% patients from the experimental group were satisfied with their complete dentures, this rejects the second hypothesis. The questions asked were pertaining to an increase or decrease in the OVD. The responses asked from the patients were the regular use of dentures, comfort during chewing, pain during chewing, ease during swallowing, gagging, appearance, satisfaction with function, and replacement of denture, and the responses were recorded with a VAS questionnairePreviously a VAS questionnaire was used to record the responses regarding complications in denture wearers and it was communicated that loss of denture retention was the most prevalent complication, while the assessed the vertical dimensions which were graded as normal, high, or low, and upon examination, it was found out 69.2% of patients had low vertical dimensions. However, the study did not assess the satisfaction regarding the measurement of OVD through anthropometry as done in this current studyThere is inadequate research on data such as vertical dimension, centric relationship, and location of artificial teeth relative to denture foundation and underlying tissues that provide knowledge about the general pattern of denture quality provided in general practice. There is also a lack of quality studies to determine a prognostic preoperative method for forecasting the acceptability of denture. Hence, there is no gold standard to predict denture satisfaction and quality of life with dentures in a completely edentulous patient.This current study signifies that the index finger of the right hand can be used for the assessment of vertical dimension of occlusion in edentulous patients seeking complete dentures which will result in improved denture satisfaction. The study will also help in bridging the knowledge gap among clinicians to adapt to a different methodology which is relatively easy and straightforward procedure giving reliable outcome for measurement of lost OVD.The clinical significance of this study can be emphasized by the fact that this was a person-centered clinical trial where the procedure was easy, non-invasive, less time-consuming, and economical without having the necessity for any sophisticated equipment for radiography nor any specialized measuring tools. The study also provides insights that a simple and inexpensive measuring instrument (a vernier caliper), can be used for anthropometric recordings and would deliver the accuracy required.According to the study's limitations, a small number of edentulous patients were randomized for the trial and because the data was limited to the Pakistani population, racial and ethnic disparities must be considered when comparing the results. Also, only 1 week follow-up was taken for denture satisfaction from the participants, other concerns were not addressed that could be reported during further follow-ups. The impact of the impression technique, occlusal scheme for teeth setup was not included in the parameters for denture satisfaction.In response to this study, more extensive clinical trials need to be conducted making this technique more effective for routine procedures and further research is recommended signifying the comparison among different anthropometric techniques for future reference.