Clinical Evaluation of Burning Mouth Syndrome in Patients Undergoing Complex Prosthetic Rehabilitation
Burning Mouth Syndrome, Prosthetic rehabilitation, Prosthodontics, Oral sensory symptoms, Occlusion, Patient-reported outcomes, Restorative dentistry
AuthorsAbstractComplex prosthetic rehabilitation can alter oral sensory perception and influence functional outcomes, presenting specific clinical challenges for prosthodontic practice. Burning Mouth Syndrome is a chronic oral sensory condition that may complicate prosthodontic treatment outcomes and patient adaptation. Evidence addressing its clinical presentation within the context of complex prosthetic rehabilitation remains limited. This study aimed to clinically evaluate the occurrence, anatomical distribution, and functional impact of Burning Mouth Syndrome in patients undergoing complex prosthetic rehabilitation and to assess its association with key prosthodontic parameters. A prospective observational clinical investigation was conducted among adult patients receiving complex fixed, removable, or combined prosthetic rehabilitation. Patients were clinically assessed for the presence, location, and severity of burning sensations affecting the oral cavity. Prosthetic rehabilitation parameters, including prosthesis type, arch involvement, occlusal scheme, and post-insertion adaptation, were documented. Patient-reported outcome measures were used to evaluate functional interference with mastication and speech. Clinical and patient-reported data were collected at baseline and during scheduled follow-up visits and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical approaches. Burning Mouth Syndrome was frequently observed among patients undergoing complex prosthetic rehabilitation, with the tongue identified as the most commonly affected site. Partial edentulism and multiarch rehabilitation predominated within the study population. Removable and combined prostheses were commonly employed, and post-insertion adjustments were frequently required. Burning symptoms demonstrated a measurable functional impact, particularly on mastication, while prosthesis satisfaction remained high in most patients. Burning Mouth Syndrome represented a clinically relevant finding in prosthodontic patients and influenced both sensory perception and functional performance during rehabilitation. Early identification of burning symptoms, careful prosthetic planning, and structured follow-up may improve patient comfort and optimise outcomes in prosthodontic practice.
IntroductionBurning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a chronic oral pain syndrome that is characterised by a chronic burning sensation of clinically normal oral mucosa, most commonly of the tongue, lips, and palate. 1 The disorder is multifactorial in its aetiology, which includes peripheral neuropathic dysfunction, changes in central pain modulation, endocrine imbalance, nutritional deficiencies, psychological stressors, and systemic comorbidities.2 Modern literature distinguishes between primary (idiopathic) BMS and secondary ones that can be linked to some local or systemic causes, such as dental procedures, prosthetic substances, metabolic issues, and salivary changes.3 The diagnostic complexity is a characteristic of BMS as it lacks any visible mucosal pathology, and the symptoms overlap those of other orofacial pain conditions. 4 Recent progress in neurobiological studies indicates the disturbed small fibre function and dysfunctional sensory pathways that support the neuropathic origin of the •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ejprd.org - Published by Dennis Barber Journals. Barber Ltd. All rights reserved
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