Case Reports

Long-term use of ill-fitting dentures and its oral consequences in an elderly patient: a case report

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Abstract

Introduction. This case report aims to present the comprehensive management of an elderly long-term denture wearer, document oral tissue alterations associated with prolonged use of ill-fitting 
dentures, and discuss the role of preventive care and patient education in geriatric prosthodontics.
Case report. A 76-year-old female patient presented to the Specialist Center for Dentistry at the Faculty of Medicine in Foča for complete denture fabrication. She wore an interim removable partial denture for approximately 40 years and complained of poor stability and unsatisfactory aesthetics. Over time, the remaining upper teeth were lost without subsequent interventions on the existing denture. Clinical examination revealed a completely inadequate existing denture. In the maxilla, a posterior flabby alveolar ridge bilaterally, a coronally positioned labial frenulum, and inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia of the palatal mucosa were observed. In the mandible, seven mobile teeth were affected by periodontitis and covered with hard dental deposits. Orthopantomographic findings revealed advanced maxillary alveolar ridge resorption, predominantly in the posterior region, generalized periodontitis of the mandibular teeth, and periapical lesions associated with teeth 32 and 33. Following a comprehensive clinical evaluation, the patient was informed of her condition, and the available treatment options were discussed. After acceptance, she signedb a written informed consent form. Pre-prosthodontic surgical management was performed, and new complete dentures were fabricated after adequate healing. A six-month follow-up schedule was set and implemented. At the 12-month follow-up, oral ulceration was noted and promptly managed.
Conclusion. Dental professionals and healthcare policymakers should actively promote preventive oral health measures and support their implementation in geriatric populations

 

Keywords: removable partial denture, complete denture, oral mucosa, dental care for elderly, ill-fitting denture, flabby ridge