Evaluating the Distance between Parotid Papilla and Occlusal Plane in Dentate Patients

Background and purpose: Determining the occlusal plane is one of the essential clinical steps in prosthetic treatment. Intraoral landmark of parotid papilla is used as an adjunct in determining the occlusal plan. The aim of this study was to investigate the exact distance between the parotid papilla and the occlusal plane as an additional criterion for determining the occlusal plane. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, the study group consisted of 148 patients aged 18-50 years old including 74 men attending Sari Dental School in 2019. In maximum intercuspation, vertical distance from the parotid papilla site to the occlusal surface of the first molars of the maxilla was measured by a probe. Data analysis was performed applying Mann-Whitney and correlation test. Results: The mean distance (mm) between the parotid papilla and the occlusal plane for the right papilla (R) was 6.16, while for the left papilla (L) it was 6.51 (R=6.47 and L=6.70 in men and R=5.84 and L=6.31 in women).  The distance at both the right and left sides was higher in men (P= 0.009 and P= 0.044, respectively). Significant difference was seen between both sides in the distance which was higher at left side (P= 0.03). Findings showed no significant relationship between age and this distance at right (P= 0.083) and left (P=0.065) sides. Conclusion: The amount of parotid papilla distance to the occlusal plane on both sides was significantly higher in men than that in women. Also, this distance on the left side is significantly higher than the right side. There was no significant relationship between age and the distance stusdied.