A Clinical Study to Correlate Oral Stereognosis and Denture Satisfaction in Complete Denture Patients.

AIM: To correlate oral stereognosis and denture satisfaction in complete denture patients. OBJECTIVES: (1) To find out difference in oral stereognosis in patients with satisfied and dissatisfied complete denture. (2) To find out whether oral stereognosis tests can be used as one of the diagnostic aids in predicting patients’ performance with the complete denture. Oral stereognosis is defined as the identification of forms solely through the use of oral receptors. Controversy exists between oral stereognosis ability and denture satisfaction.High oral perception is thought to contribute to poor adaptation to dentures. METHOD: Two groups of patients, 40 in Group A and 20 in Group B participated in the study. Group A are completely edentulous patients who were experienced denture wearers on an average of 4 years. Group B were patients who seek complete denture for the first time. For assessing patient’s opinion about their dentures, a questionnaire was prepared. Custom made heat cure acrylic resin test forms were made to test oral stereognosis ability. Both the groups went through the oral stereognosis test and denture satisfaction questionnaire. Based on the mean scores, both the groups were divided into satisfied and dissatisfied; high and low oral stereognosis score group. RESULTS: Spearman’s analysis showed negative correlation between oral stereognosis and satisfaction of complete denture prosthesis CONCLUSION: Results showed that patients who were satisfied with their dentures showed low oral stereognosis score. And patients who were dissatisfied with their denture had high oral stereognosis score