Masticatory function of postoperative tumor patients rehabilitated with osseointegrated implants.
OBJECTIVE
This study determined the level of masticatory function that can be achieved with osseointegrated implants in postoperative tumor patients.


METHODS
Masticatory function was evaluated in 15 postoperative tumor patients with implants, 22 nontumor patients with implants, and 15 natural dentate controls. The area of occlusal contact was evaluated with a pressure-sensitive, color-developing bite sheet analyzed by computer. Chewing performance was evaluated by a low-adhesive, color-developing, chewing-gum system.


RESULTS
Subjects in the tumor group had load-bearing tooth contacts similar to those of the natural dentate controls and nontumor implant patients. Continuity of the mandible was essential to sustain occlusal load. The presence of the hypoglossal nerve was the main factor in determining restoration of chewing performance.


CONCLUSIONS
Surgical efforts to preserve the mobility of the residual tongue and prosthetic approaches to restore impaired mobility to as great an extent as possible are especially important for better functional rehabilitation of patients who have defects of the hypoglossal nerve.
Matsui
Y
Y
The First Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan.
Neukam
F W
FW
Schmelzeisen
R
R
Ohno
K
K
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D002638:Chewing Gum; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D003828:Denture, Overlay; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007002:Hypoglossal Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology*; D061228:Hypoglossal Nerve Injuries; D007574:Jaw Relation Record; D008297:Male; D008409:Mastication / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009060:Mouth Floor / Q000601:surgery; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D014059:Tongue / Q000294:innervation / Q000503:physiopathology
D002638:Chewing Gum