Introduction

Should screening for osteoporosis be essential before rehabilitating edentulous patients with complete dentures?

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of low bone mineral density (osteoporosis) on bite pressure and electromyographic activity (EMG) of masseter and temporalis muscles in edentulous patients after rehabilitation with complete dentures.

Material and methods

Eighty (44 non-osteoporotic and 36 osteoporotic) edentulous subjects, aged 50-70 years, visiting the department for complete dentures rehabilitation were recruited based on selection criteria. All subjects were rehabilitated with maxillary and mandibular complete dentures. After 1 month of adjustment period, eva­luation of EMG of masseter and temporalis muscles and bite pressure was done. Data were obtained, statistically analyzed, and compared for osteoporotic and normal bone mineral density groups using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences, Chicago, IL, USA) version 24.0 statistical analysis software.

Results

Maximum and average bite pressure was significantly lower for osteoporotic subjects. Mean maximum bite pressure applied in complete denture wearing osteoporotic patients was 25.21 MPa, and for normal bone mineral density subjects, it was 29.94 MPa. Surface EMG activity amplitude for masseter (p = 0.005) and temporalis (p = 0.03) muscles was also found to be significantly lower in osteoporotic patients.

Conclusions

Osteoporosis has significant adverse effects on masticatory functions of complete denture wearers, such as neuromuscular and chewing pressure components.