Comparative evaluation of effect of complete dentures on oral stereognosis in completely edentulous patients

Aims and Objectives: this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of complete dentures on oral stereognosis in completely edentulous patients.Methods: 30 edentulous patients were selected according inclusion and exclusion criteria. 12 metal objects were made & placed in patient’s mouth with and without complete denture. The time required to identify each object was recorded and the correctness of identification of each object was scored using a Oral Stereognostic Score. Values obtained were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis.Result: Results show that wearing complete denture increases oral stereognosis score when compared to without denture (p<0.000). Further the response time for identification of metal object was lesser with complete denture than without complete denture.Conclusion: Covering the palatal mucosa with a denture does not reduce oral stereognostic ability. The presence of a prosthetic restoration is determinant in improving oral stereognostic ability.KEYWORDS: Complete dentures, Oral Stereognostic Score, Neuroperception