Oral stereognostic ability and masticatory performance in denture wearers.

This study examined the relationship between masticatory performance and oral stereognostic ability in 71 dentate individuals and 64 denture wearers. Stereognosis was evaluated in denture wearers with and without dentures in place. No significant differences (P > .05) were noted between the stereognostic scores of either group, with both groups correctly identifying approximately 68% of the items. This suggests that the receptors in the periodontal ligament are of minimal importance in the oral detection of shape and that the loss of teeth and placement of dentures does not diminish the perception of shape differences. Correlations between masticatory performance and stereognostic measures ranged in magnitude from 0.01 to 0.12 (P > .05). Further studies employing smaller test forms may be needed to assess the role of stereognosis on food manipulation during mastication.