Role of saliva in Prosthodontics Vasudeva Kamlesh1, Prof. & Head, Duggal Nidhi, Associate Professor, Wadhwa Supneet Singh, P.G. Student, Shaiffy, Ex. P. G. Student 1Address for Correspondence: Dr. Kamlesh Vasudeva Prof. & Head Deptt. of Prosthodontics Laxmi Bai Dental College, Patiala (punjab)
Online published on 7 December, 2011. Abstract Saliva, a versatile substance, serves many purposes in the oral environment. Saliva is a dilute, aqueous solution containing both inorganic and organic constituents that facilitates the swallowing of food, a mechanical device that cleans the dentition, an immunologic banner, a digestive initiator and an ionic stimulator for taste. Saliva is of crucial importance both in edentulous and dentulous persons. In dentulous persons, it serves as a means of buffering the acids produced in plaque from food debris, supplying the inorganic ions required to remineralize incipient lesions and in diluting and washing away sugars from around the teeth. In edentulous patients, it is very important for the retention and comfort of prosthetic appliances. By taking the relevant history, a prosthodontist can identify patients who may have reduced saliva flow and recommend procedures to combat the potentially greater risk of failure of removable and fixed prosthesis. Top Keywords Saliva, Retention, Dentures, Implants, Xerostomia. Top |