Comparative evaluation of the effect of the complete denture on airflow between hypertensive and non-hypertensive patients - in vivo study

Abstract

Background: Edentulism is a disabling condition of oral cavity and can impact the stomatognathic system as a whole, which cause a reduction in the size of the airway lumen. Among the vital functions affected by edentulism, respiration is one of the most important as edentulism affects cardio-respiratory symptoms by increasing pharyngeal collapsibility. A prosthodontist's priority should be in-depth knowledge of the patient in order to encourage patients to recognize the type of prosthesis they might require. Spirometry is a technique for determining how well a respiratory system is working and its mechanical qualities by measuring volumes of lungs and their capacities. Previous studies have suggested that hypertensive individual’s pulmonary function measures were significantly lowered than the percentage anticipated values in spirometry. Hypertensive patients had lower pulmonary function metrics, according to certain researchers. We aim to evaluate the effect of complete dentures on the airflow in hypertensive and non-hypertensive complete denture wearers. Methods: The study is an in vivo study and will be carried out in the Prosthodontics department. This study will be comprised of 40 subjects, over 40 years of age, split into two groups. Measurement of the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), and the forced vital capacity (FVC) will be done in all participants. Statistical analysis will be performed by using the Chi-square test will be applied for analysis and the students’ unpaired t-test. Evaluation will be done in four groups- wearing both dentures, without both dentures and only upper and only lower dentures. Expected results: This study may show a definite correlation in the airflow between hypertensive complete denture wearers and non-hypertensive complete denture wearers. Changes in treatment plans by shifting to other treatment modalities can be done if the study shows a reduction in airflow in the hypertensive complete denture wearers and non-hypertensive complete denture wearers.