Changes in oral flora of newly edentulous patients, before and after complete dentures insertion

Background Investigation of the oral flora of edentulous subjects is becoming increasingly important because of recent wide spread use of implants in the treatment of edentulism. Materials and methods Twenty eight newly edentulous patients with age ranged between (40-80) years were included in this study. Saliva samples were collected at two intervals; before taking the primary impression, and after one month of functional use of the complete dentures, and assessed microbiologically. Results; indicated that the total numbers of microorganisms were decreased within the post insertion period with non significant variation in their types, newly edentulous mouth harbored Neisseria species which disappeared after denture insertion, while E coli, Klebsiella, and Moraxella (Branhamella) were observed after one month of denture wearing. Other microorganisms include Streptococci and Candida was reduced. On the other hand, Staph. aurous, Diphtheroids, Veillonella and Acinetobactor were considered as a part of the normal flora of edentulous patient that unchanged by denture wearing. Conclusion; Although denture can serve as a colonization site for the various microorganisms with short period of denture use and good oral hygiene the microorganisms did not increased in the oral cavity. Key word: oral flora, saliva, edentulous, complete dentures. (J Bagh Coll Dentistry 2012; 24(sp. Issue 1):65-69).