A structural equation model relating oral condition,denture quality,chewing ability,satisfaction, and oral health-related quality of life in complete denture wearers

ObjectivesTo investigate the relationship between mandibular ridge form, stability and retention of mandibular complete denture, accuracy of jaw relation recording, patients’ perception of chewing ability, satisfaction with dentures and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in complete denture wearers.MethodsA total of 183 edentulous patients, who visited the Dental Hospital of Tokyo Medical and Dental University for new complete dentures, were recruited. Oral examination was performed. Cawood and Howell's method was used to grade the mandibular ridge form. The stability and retention of the mandibular complete denture were assessed using Kapur method. Accuracy of jaw relation recording was evaluated using a newly developed jaw relation index. Patients’ perception of chewing ability was rated using a food intake questionnaire. Patients’ satisfaction with complete dentures was assessed on a 100-mm visual analogue scale. OHRQoL was measured using the Japanese version of the Oral Health Impact Profile for edentulous subjects. A structural equation model was constructed based on the hypothesis that oral condition and denture quality would be related to chewing ability, satisfaction and OHRQoL.ResultsSignificant relationships were found between mandibular ridge form, stability of mandibular complete denture, accuracy of jaw relation recording, perceived chewing ability, satisfaction and OHRQoL. Various fit indices were within acceptable limits.ConclusionsOral condition and denture quality were related to patients’ perception of chewing ability, satisfaction with dentures and OHRQoL in complete denture wearers.Clinical significanceA favourable oral condition and denture quality are important for successful complete denture therapy.     

Phlebosclerotic colitis that was difficult to distinguish from collagenous colitis

Phlebosclerotic colitis is a rare and recently known disease entity and its etiology is still to be elucidated. Some phlebosclerotic colitis cases are difficult to distinguish from collagenous colitis because of the similarity of pathological findings. In all Japanese case reports of phlebosclerotic colitis in which an association with the use of Chinese herbal medicine is suspected, sansisi (gardenia fruit) was included, suggesting pathogenesis of this disease. We report a case of phlebosclerotic colitis that wasdifficult to be distinguished from collagenous colitis, and an association with the use of Chinese herbal medicine was suspected as the cause of the disease.