Anatomy

Question 1

Describe the Cawood + Howell Classification of ridges…

Answer 1

I : dentate

II : post extraction

III : broad alveolar process

IV : knife edge

V : flat ridge (no alveolar process)

VI : submerged ridge (loss of basal bone)

Question 2

What intra-oral changes occur in an edentulous patient?

Answer 2

• no remaining teeth
• no remaining periodontium
• no means of retaining the alveolar bone around teeth
• max rate of bone loss in first 3 months
• bone loss cont. for lifetime
• tissues dont withstand load
• alveolar ridge changes

Question 3

When does the max rate of bone loss occur?

Answer 3

In the first 3 months after tooth loss

Question 4

How does the alveolar ridge change in edentulous patients?

Answer 4

Upper ridge: moves back + reduces in height

Lower ridge: resorbs vertically + increases in width

Question 5

What extra-oral changes occur in edentulous patients?

Answer 5

• changes in upper + lower lip
• reduced face height
• change in profile
• inc. naso-labial angle
• muscle positioning

Question 6

What physiological changes can occur in edentulous patients?

Answer 6

• loss of propioception
• decreased masticatory efficacy
• decreased incising efficacy
• decreased swallowing efficacy
• speech problems
• embarassment
• lost limb syndrome
• denial
• depression

Question 7

From an osteological perspective, what happens in edentulous patients?

Answer 7

Bone resorption

Question 8

How might a alveolar ridge appear after teeth have been extracted?

Answer 8

Bulbous + irregular

Sockets may be seen