Oral stereognostic ability in edentulous and dentate individuals.

Oral stereognosis was analysed in a group of edentulous individuals who had been rehabilitated with conventional complete dentures and in a group of dentate subjects. The results showed that significant differences existed between the dentate and the edentulous individuals in shape recognition. Dentate individuals correctly identified test forms more often, and in a shorter time, when compared with individuals who had no natural teeth. These findings may have implications for oral sensory perception in edentulous individuals, which, in turn, might influence their ability to wear complete dentures.