The value of profileometry in complete immediate denture service. A preliminary report.

Twelve patients requiring total extractions and provision of immediate complete dentures were randomly selected for analysis. Pre-extraction records including full face and lateral profile photographs were taken under standard distance and lighting conditions. Maxillary and mandibular intraoral views were also exposed. Lateral cephalograms were taken pre-operatively, in both occlusal tooth contact position and the resting jaw relationship. Pre-extraction facial measurements were recorded and included occlusal face height and resting face height as well as the value, in degrees of the columellaphiltral angle, determined with the dentofacial profileometer. Teeth were removed under endotracheal general anaesthesia in hospital, and dentures constructed from pre-extraction records were fitted and adjusted before termination of the anaesthetic. Post-extraction surveillance was conducted in all cases and measurements, cephalograms, and photographs such as were previously taken, were repeated postoperatively for assessment and comparison. Statistical analysis confirmed our clinical and profileometric measurements. The advantage of profileometric pre-extraction records, prefabricated appliances and precision surgery in an immediate complete denture service is established.