Although masticatory performance was not decreased in the unilateral group, the degree of mastication predominance was increased. Decreased masticatory performance was observed in the bilateral group, and for foods with normal hardness and soft foods, the degree of mastication predominance was increased. These results suggested that mastication predominance should be considered in the recovery of masticatory performance in patients with missing posterior teeth.

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A 74-year-old male complained of difficulty in mastication after hemimandibulectomy. Occlusal support of the remaining teeth in the healthy side of the mandible was extremely compromised because of severe periodontal disease, and the mastication score according to Sato et al. (1989) was 5 (100 as full score). Four implants were placed in the healthy side of the mandible, and were firmly splinted by bar attachments. An implant-supported overdenture was then delivered. Discussion: Mastication score was improved to 60 after delivery of the implant overdenture. It was considered that masticatory function was recovered by establishing occlusal support in the healthy side of the mandible with implants. Conclusion: Masticatory function was recovered by means of implant overdenture in this case with masticatory dysfunction after hemimandibulectomy.

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