The Role of New Removable Complete Dentures in Stimulated Salivary Flow and Taste Perception.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of replacement of inadequate complete dentures on salivary flow and taste perception in geriatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-three patients, 13 males and 20 females, with a mean age of 64.4 years were submitted to stimulated and unstimulated salivary flow rate and salivary pH measurements, and sense of taste evaluation. Tests were performed 3 months before complete denture substitution and 3 weeks after denture insertion. RESULTS: The mean for unstimulated saliva (USS) was 2.1 ml before and 2.7 ml after replacement (p = 0.003). The mean volume of stimulated saliva was 6.3 ml before and 8.2 ml after replacement (p = 0.004). The pH mean of USS was 7.8 ± 0.44 before and 8.02 ± 0.41 after replacement (p = 0.005). No statistically significant difference was determined in the sense of taste before and 3 weeks after complete denture replacement. CONCLUSIONS: The replacement of inadequate complete dentures increases saliva flow; however, it does not improve taste perception.