Evaluation of Position of Occlusal Plane Relative to Parotid Papilla as an Aid in Complete Denture Fabrication

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the reliability of the parotid papilla as a guide for orientation of occlusal plane in the Pakistani population. 

Study Design: Cross-sectional, hospital-based study 

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Prosthodontics of Islamic International Dental Hospital, Riphah International University, over a period of six months start from 01-12-2022 to 31-05-2023. 

Methods: A total of 100 patients were examined. The subjects were examined and the vertical distance between the inferior border of parotid papilla and the mesiobuccal cusp tip of maxillary second molar on the right and left sides  was measured using a periodontal probe. The measurements were recorded in a written performa, and mean values were calculated. Descriptive statistical analysis were used for qualitative and quantitative variables. 

Results: Mean age of the participants was 33.23±7.20 years. The gender distribution of the patients reveals a higher proportion of males, with 57 (57.0%) participants, compared to females, who constituted 43 (43.0%). The mean position of the parotid papilla in relation to the maxillary occlusal plane was calculated as 3.66±0.50 mm. 

Conclusion: The findings of this study conclude that the parotid papilla is present above the maxillary occlusal plane. This anatomical relationship was quantified by measuring the mean vertical distance, which was determined to be 3.69 mm.