Effect of complete edentulism on masseter muscle thickness and changes after complete denture rehabilitation: an ultrasonographic study.

ABSTRACT

AIM: The aim of the present study was to determine the changes in masseter muscle thickness due to the state of complete edentulism and the effect of complete denture rehabilitation on the masseter muscle. METHODS: Real-time ultrasonography of the masseter muscle at relaxed and contracted states was carried out for twelve patients (six dentulous and six completely edentulous). Edentulous patients were scanned at the time of denture insertion and at the end of 3 months' follow up. RESULTS: The mean masseter muscle thickness of the edentulous patients was significantly increased after the 3-month follow-up than the thickness at the time of denture insertion, but was significantly lower than that of the dentulous patients of the same age group. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that change occurs in the masseter muscle thickness after rehabilitation with complete dentures in the form of increased muscle thickness. However, the thickness of the muscle remains smaller than that of dentate individuals.