Comparison of two vestibuloplasty techniques to evaluate denture stability in complete denture patients with severely resorbed anterior mandibular ridge: A Prospective Clinical Study

a Vestibuloplasty is a surgical procedure designed to deepen the oral vestibule, which is the space between the lips, cheeks, and gums. This procedure is commonly employed in pre-prosthetic surgery to address issues related to the insufficient height of the alveolar ridge, and in periodontology to augment the amount of keratinized gingiva. The alveolar ridge is the bony ridge that contains the tooth sockets in the upper and lower jaws. An adequate height of the alveolar crest is crucial for the stability and retention of removable dentures, especially when implants are not used for support.1-2 Several conditions can contribute to the reduction of vestibular depth, including a prolonged absence of teeth, traumatic injuries to the alveolar ridge, or severe periodontitis (inflammation and infection of the supporting structures of the teeth). When there is a lack of an adequate residual alveolar ridge, it can compromise the successful rehabilitation with removable dentures. Removable dentures are often preferred for economic reasons, making vestibuloplasty an indispensable procedure in cases where the vestibular depth is reduced.3-4 Many vestibular deepening techniques have been described since the beginning of the era of surgery namely, Kazanjian, Godwin, Trauner, Clark, Sulcus deepening, Obwegeser, Howe, Steinhauser, Tortorelli. Vestibuloplasty repositions mucosa, and muscle insertions, and increases the denture flange area in turn stability of the prosthesis. All procedures are associated with varying degrees of success. Disadvantages associated with existing procedures made the clinician rethink modifications so that the modifications can overcome the disadvantages.

·       This clinical study planned to achieve adequate vestibular depth using Clark’s and sulcus deepening vestibuloplasty so that stability of the mandibular denture will be improved.