Clinical Evaluation of Residual Ridge Morphology of Maxillary Arch in Relation to Ageing and Length of Edentulism

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the morphology of residual ridge of maxilla according to classification proposed by ACP (American College of Prosthodontics)

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted Liaquat University of medical and health science, Jamshoro from November 2024 to April 2025 on 118 edentulous patients reporting to the prosthodontic outpatient department. Patients with complete maxillary edentulism of varying durations with six week after extraction of last tooth and both genders were included. Residual ridge morphology was clinically evaluated and classified according to the Atwood classification system. Standardized prosthodontic examination was performed to assess ridge height, width, and form. Data were stratified by age groups (40–50, 51–60, >60 years) and edentulous duration (<5, 5–10, >10 years). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26 version.

Results: A total of 118 edentulous patients were evaluated with a mean age of 63.73±7.12 years. There were 59.3% males and 40.7% females. Most of the individuals (41.5%) had type A ridges, following by type B (36.4%), while the type C was the least common (22.0%). There was a significant association of compromised ridge morphological type with advanced age age groups (p = 0.004), reflecting that the ridge form worsens with increasing age, longer duration of edentulism and duration of denture uses (p = 0.001), while there was no significant association found with genders (p = 0.302).

Conclusion: Study revealed that the compromised ridge forms were more prevalent in advance age groups of individuals and among those with prolonged edentulism, reflecting the importance of early prosthodontic rehabilitation and timely replacement of denture to preserve residual ridge structure and enhance outcomes.