Correlation between Gonial Angle in Kennedys Class II Partially Edentulous patients with Maximum Occlusal Force using Orthopantomogram

INTRODUCTION: Functional performance of the partial denture in contributing to the oral health and quality of partially edentulous people’s life is a major concern especially in Kennedy’s class II cases, with unilateral posterior partial edentulous condition. Many researchers have reported that the occlusal force is one of the key determinants of efficiency of masticating performance. A great deal of information regarding the mechanical properties of stomatognathic system is obtained from maximum occlusal forces. Biomechanical forces produced during mastication are considered a primary agent for stimulating the craniofacial growth and development. One important structure involved in this process is gonial angle. It has been accepted that shape of mandibular base and especially the gonial angle of the mandible correlated with the function of jaw closing muscles. Muscular force is an important factor in determining the load on the alveolar ridges beneath dentures AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of study is correlation between gonial angles in Kennedy's Class II partially edentulous patients with maximum occlusal force using orthopantomogram. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 80 subjects were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. They are subjected to thorough history and clinical examination as per the structured case proforma sheet designed for the study. The gonial angle was assessed for the participating volunteer using orthopantomogram using image processing software; maximum occlusal force was measured using strain gauge transducer. The sample was grouped into male, female, and based on the length of their edentulous span long (1 or 2 premolar and both molar missing) and one or two molars missing (short) as long and short saddle respectively, and also according to age as 35-45 and 46 -55 years and according to gender. The results obtained are stored in the system and then evaluated for the following parameters: 1. To evaluate the gonial angle of partially edentulous patients. 2. Assess the maximum occlusal force. To compare the correlation or association of gonial angle and maximum occlusal force on both dentulous and edentulous side. RESULT: The mean maximum occlusal force recorded on the edentulous side was lower than that on the dentulous side and the gonial angle recorded on the edentulous side was slightly higher than the gonial angle on the dentulous side. There existed a significant negative correlation between maximum occlusal force and gonial angle in edentulous and dentulous group, and also in the other groups examined, namely male, female short and long saddle groups and 35-45 and 46-55years group. CONCLUSION: The evaluation of the occlusal force in a unilateral posterior partial edentulous patient after proper restoring with partial denture is very important factor as it determines the chewing efficiency of the patient and knowing the relationship of the maximum occlusal force with gonial angle of the same side can help us to determine any change in the form and function of the patient