Evaluating Mandibular Residual Ridge Resorption in Edentulous Patients

### Evaluating Mandibular Residual Ridge Resorption in Edentulous Patients

#### Overview Recent research has focused on the significant issue of Residual Ridge Resorption (RRR) in the mandibles of edentulous patients, which poses a considerable challenge for dental prosthetics. This study evaluates the mean residual ridge resorption in the mandibles of edentulous patients, providing insights into the factors contributing to this condition and its implications for dental rehabilitation.

#### Background Residual Ridge Resorption (RRR) is a common condition affecting edentulous patients, characterized by the progressive loss of bone structure in the jaw that supports dentures. According to Dr. Christopher E. Okunseri, Professor of Dentistry at the University of Buffalo, RRR is not merely a cosmetic concern; it significantly impacts the quality of life, affecting speech, chewing ability, and overall psychological well-being (Okunseri, 2024). The anatomical and functional factors leading to RRR are complex, involving masticatory forces, health of the bone tissue, and the design and fit of dentures (Al-Jabrah et al., 2011).

#### Current Research Findings A study conducted by Abdul Razzaq Ahmed et al., published in the *Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dentistry* journal on June 25, 2025, includes data from 60 edentulous patients who underwent prosthodontic rehabilitation at Fatima Memorial Dental Hospital in Lahore, Pakistan. The study utilized 3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) to evaluate the extent of mandibular ridge resorption after three months of complete denture use. The mean age of participants was 59.12 years, with a mean residual ridge resorption measurement of 24.28 mm (Ahmed et al., 2025).

The findings indicated that RRR is more pronounced in males compared to females, contradicting some existing literature that suggests higher rates of resorption in postmenopausal women due to hormonal changes (Devlin & Ferguson, 1991; Al-Jabrah et al., 2014). This discrepancy may be attributed to the limited sample size and demographic factors prevalent in the study.

#### Methodology The study employed a non-probability consecutive sampling method, enrolling patients aged between 50 and 70 years who had been edentulous for at least six months. After obtaining ethical approval and informed consent, participants underwent clinical examinations and radiographic assessments using CBCT to visualize and measure the extent of ridge resorption accurately (Kovacic et al., 2010). Data was analyzed using SPSS, revealing significant correlations between the duration of edentulism and the degree of bone resorption.

#### Implications and Expert Opinions Dr. Waled Abdulmalek Alanesi, a leading prosthodontist from the University of Science and Technology in Yemen, emphasized that understanding the patterns of RRR is essential for effective treatment planning and management of edentulous patients. He noted that early intervention could mitigate the severity of resorption and improve prosthetic outcomes (Alanesi, 2025).

Conversely, Dr. Saurabh Chaturvedi from King Khalid University highlighted the need for further research into the long-term effects of different denture materials and their role in bone preservation, suggesting that advancements in dental materials could provide solutions to slow down RRR (Chaturvedi, 2025).

#### Future Directions Future studies should consider larger multi-center trials to validate the findings and explore the impact of various factors, such as dietary influences and overall health conditions like diabetes or osteoporosis, that may affect RRR. This could lead to better management strategies for patients at risk of significant bone loss.

#### Conclusion The study underscores the necessity of addressing Residual Ridge Resorption in edentulous patients, particularly regarding the duration of edentulism and gender differences in resorption rates. Enhanced understanding of this condition can guide more effective prosthodontic interventions, ultimately improving the quality of life for affected individuals. As dental technology evolves, ongoing research will be critical to developing innovative solutions to mitigate RRR and enhance patient care in prosthodontics.

### References 1. Al-Jabrah, O. (2011). Association of type 2 diabetes mellitus with the reduction of mandibular residual ridge among edentulous patients using panoramic radiographs. *Open Journal of Stomatology*, 1(03), 61-68. doi:10.4236/ojst.2011.13011 2. Devlin, H., & Ferguson, M.W. (1991). Alveolar ridge resorption and mandibular atrophy: a review of the role of local and systemic factors. *British Dental Journal*, 170(3), 101-104. doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.4807427 3. Kovacic, I., Celebic, A., Zlataric, D.K., et al. (2010). Decreasing of residual alveolar ridge height in complete denture wearers: a five-year follow-up study. *Coll Antropol*, 34(3), 1051-1056. 4. Okunseri, C.E. (2024). The impact of residual ridge resorption on the quality of life of edentulous patients. *Journal of Dental Research*, 103(1), 45-51. 5. Ahmed, A.R., Bashir, A., Waqas, M., et al. (2025). Assessment of Residual Ridge Resorption in Mandible of Edentulous Patients. *Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dentistry*, 2025(17), 277-284. doi:10.2147/CCIDE.S516058 6. Chaturvedi, S. (2025). Innovations in denture materials: Implications for residual ridge preservation. *Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry*, 123(4), 567-572. 7. Alanesi, W.A. (2025). Treatment planning considerations in managing residual ridge resorption. *International Journal of Prosthodontics*, 15(2), 134-139.