Quantitative estimation of vertical heights of maxillary and mandibular jawbones in elderly dentate and edentulous subjects.

The residual alveolar ridge resorption is inevitable with aging. The purpose of the study was to determine and compare differences in the vertical measurements of jaw bones in elderly dentate and edentulous subjects. The study sample included 51 elderly dentate subjects and 59 edentulous subjects. The panoramic radiographs were used to quantify the reduction in the alveolar ridges at 5 sites in each jaw. There were significant differences between elderly dentate and edentulous subjects in maxilla and mandible. The percentage reduction in the vertical height of edentulous subjects as compared to dentate subjects ranges from 29% to 39%. The reduction in the heights was greater in mandible than in maxilla in both the study groups. The vertical measurements were significantly greater in men than in women in maxilla and the mandible. Vertical heights of maxillary and mandibular jaw bones are important factors in planning complete denture and the implant supported prosthesis. Further studies would be necessary to determine the region specific resorption of jaw bones and its association with the duration of denture wear in edentulous subjects. ©2012 Special Care Dentistry Association and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.