An analysis of the effect of mandibular length on residual ridge loss in the edentulous patient.

The relationship of mandibular length to residual ridge loss was studied in 22 edentulous patients. Tracings made from cephalometric films taken at initial insertion of complete dentures and at 20 years after placement were measured. Mandibular length was determined to have no statistical relationship to the reduction in residual ridge height in either the maxillae or the mandible. In addition, alveolar bone loss in the one jaw had no relationship to the amount of loss in the other jaw.