Methods: The mucosa thickness and bone remodeling were quantified in a three-dimensional manner by cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) and medical imaging programs.
Results: The thickness of mucosa in the denture bearing area of the mandible ranged from 0 - 5 mm. There was a moderate negative correlation (R2 = 0.51) of mucosa thickness with bone remodeling which was measured as the decrease in bone height after two years. Where the mucosa was less than 1.5 mm in thickness, resorption tended to occur, whilst above 2 mm in thickness, bone apposition seemed to take place.
Conclusions:
The clinical findings were consistent with the viscoelastic study of different thickness of mucosa in confirming the possible protective effect of mucosa when its thickness was above 2 mm.