A new quantitative screening method for removable prosthesis using pressure-indicating paste

Aim of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the adaptation of the denture base to the mucosa using a non-setting pressure-indicating paste and to examine the relationship between quality of fit and the need for denture relining. A total of 123 dentures from 70 partially edentulous patients were studied. Examination paste extruded from the tip of the 18-G needle was applied to those denture surfaces contacting the alveolar crest. The denture was manually positioned with all clasps engaged on abutment teeth, and adaptation was assessed through paste distribution. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyse variables associated with diagnosing the need for a denture reline, producing odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. The spread width was inversely proportional to the gap between the denture and mucosa. Regression analysis revealed statistically significant associations between the need for a denture reline and both the paste spread width and the duration of denture use. According to ROC curve analysis of the 'reline' and 'non-reline' groups, the need for a denture reline was indicated at a paste spread width of 2·0 mm or less. At this 2·0-mm threshold, the sensitivity was 85·1% and the specificity was 75·0%. The fit of removable denture bases was quantitatively evaluated by measuring the spread width of non-setting pressure-indicating paste extruded onto denture fit surfaces. The results suggest that the paste spread width is a useful parameter for discriminating the need for a denture reline.