Impact of complete dentures on pharyngeal volumes of edentulous individuals with obstructive sleep apnea: A pilot clinical study

Statement of problem: Evidence remains scarce regarding the impact of complete denture use on velopharyngeal (VP), oropharyngeal (OP), hypopharyngeal (HP), and total pharyngeal (TP) volumes in edentulous patients, as assessed by 3-dimensional imaging. Purpose: This pilot clinical study evaluated the effects of complete denture use on VP, OP, HP, and TP volumes in edentulous participants with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Material and methods: Edentulous participants using complete dentures with mild (OSA-1, n=11), moderate (OSA-2, n=9), and severe OSA (OSA-3, n=10) were evaluated. Anthropometric parameters (neck length, neck circumference, and body-mass index [BMI]) and Mallampati classification (MC-12 and MC-34) were recorded. Three-dimensional T2-weighted sagittal MRI scans (2 mm slice thickness) were obtained without dentures (WOD) and with dentures in place (WID). Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) images were analyzed using the ITK-SNAP software program to measure VP, OP, HP, and TP volumes. WOD and WID values were compared using paired t tests (α=.05), and Pearson correlation analysis was performed for anthropometric variables. Results: A positive, moderate correlation was found between neck height and WID-OP, WID-HP, and WID-TP (r=0.436, r=0.492, and r=0.423; P=.016, P=.006, and P=.020, respectively). In the MC-12 group, WID significantly increased OP volume (P=.014), whereas in the MC-34 group, OP and TP volumes decreased significantly (P=.003 and P=.043, respectively). The OSA-1, OSA-2, and OSA-3 groups showed statistically significant differences in OP values under WOD and WID conditions (P=.014, P<.001, and P=.001, respectively). Conclusions: Complete dentures may induce significant volumetric changes in specific pharyngeal regions depending on certain anthropometric features, oropharyngeal morphology, and OSA severity.