Evaluation of temperature values in mental foramen area in case of patients using removable partial dentures

Abstract

The purpose of the research was an evaluation of removable partial dentures (RPDs) influence on temperature values registered in the area of mental foramen. Initial assumption was made that temperature is proportional to blood flow in mental artery. Additionally, the research objective was an assessment of application of infrared thermovision technique in the field of dental prosthodontics. Two independent groups of patients were examined. Test group consisted of 30 patients using RPD, and control group was composed of 33 patients partially edentulous in mandibular dental arch. The mean age in the test group was 68.8 years, standard deviation (SD) = 10.6, whereas in control group 62.3, SD = 11.9. Temperature values were recorded with thermovision camera. Test group patients underwent two examinations (with denture and 45 min after denture removal), and control group patients were examined once. Results showed decreased temperature values in case of test group patients. The differences were statistically significant (p \ 0.05); however, the dentures negative influence was transient as 45 min after RPD removal temperature values were similar in both groups.