An experimental study on histopathological changes in the tissue covered with denture base without occlusal pressure.

In order to clarify the basic histopathological effect of a denture prosthesis on the denture supporting tissues, a new experimental appliance was developed. The denture base was designed to make contact with palatal mucosa of the experimental animal without any mechanical pressure and transmit no occlusal force to the mucosa. The objectives were: (i) non-pressure contact of denture base with palatal mucosa; and (ii) lack of physiological stimulation for palatal tissue by tongue and/or food. The results of the study revealed that covering the palatal mucosa with a denture base without any mechanical pressure and with the maintenance of a clean palate and denture base, did not cause any inflammatory change and bone resorption in the denture supporting tissues, except for a slight transient proliferative reaction in the epithelial ridges.