Functional disturbances in complete denture patients.

One hundred complete denture wearers were evaluated for mandibular dysfunction by collating information gathered with a questionnaire and physical examination. The most frequent symptoms centered on poorly fitting and functioning dentures, headaches, and pain in the neck and temporomandibular joints. Ninety-four percent of the patients demonstrated clinical signs of mandibular dysfunction. Two-thirds of the patients had decreased facial height, marked dental attrition, and significant occlusal discrepancies in the dentures. Periodic recall is suggested for the evaluation of mandibular dysfunction in all denture patients.