Evaluation of the Resting Tongue Position in Partially Dentate and Completely Edentulous Patients

Abstract

Background The human tongue plays a critical role in various oral processes and its position can be significantly affected by dental status, particularly in partially dentate and completely edentulous patients. Understanding the relationship between tongue position and dental status is essential for optimal prosthodontic treatment and patient quality of life. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the differences in the resting tongue position between partially dentate and completely edentulous patients and to understand how these differences could influence prosthodontic treatment strategies. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Institute of Dentistry, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro/Hyderabad, from 02-02-2021 to 30-11-2022. The study included 400 patients, divided into partially dentate (200 patients) and completely edentulous (200 patients) groups. Patients were further classified based on gender, age, and Kennedy classification. The tongue position was categorized as normal upper, normal lower, abnormal upper, and abnormal lower. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 22.0, with a significance level set at p≤0.05. Results In the partially dentate group, 57% and 63% were males in Group A and B, respectively, while 43% and 37% were females. In the completely edentulous group, males constituted 50% and 43% in Group A and B, respectively, with females making up the remaining percentages. Age-wise, 63% of partially dentate patients in both groups were aged 35-45, compared to 6% and 12.1% in the completely edentulous groups. Kennedy classification showed varying distributions with Class 2 being most prevalent in partially dentate Group B (43%). Tongue position analysis revealed that normal upper position was present in 28% of partially dentate and 16% of completely edentulous patients, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). Abnormal upper position was noted in 36% of partially dentate and 38% of completely edentulous patients. Conclusion The study concluded significant differences in tongue positions between partially dentate and completely edentulous patients. These findings underscore the importance of considering tongue position in prosthodontic treatment planning, especially for completely edentulous patients.