Prosthetics & Dentures Flashcards

What is the most appropriate management of a broken flange on a cobalt-chromium partial denture?

Answer: Return to laboratory for repair; assess whether the denture framework is intact

A broken acrylic flange on a cobalt-chromium denture should be repaired in the laboratory to ensure correct fit and surface finish; chair-side acrylic repairs are generally inadequate long-term.

Which factor most strongly determines the prognosis of abutment teeth in a removable partial denture?

Answer: Periodontal support and crown-to-root ratio

Adequate periodontal support and a favourable crown-to-root ratio are the most critical factors for abutment tooth survival, as RPD loading places additional demands on the periodontium.

What is the recommended hygiene advice for a complete denture wearer to prevent denture stomatitis?

Answer: Remove dentures at night, clean with denture brush and non-abrasive cleanser, soak in dilute hypochlorite

Removing dentures at night allows tissue recovery, mechanical cleaning removes biofilm, and chemical soaking (hypochlorite for non-metal dentures) further reduces Candida colonisation.

What does the term 'selective pressure impression' mean in complete denture prosthodontics?

Answer: Loading load-bearing areas while relieving pressure from non-load-bearing areas during impression taking

Selective pressure technique applies mucocompression to firm, load-bearing ridge areas (primary stress-bearing areas) while relieving pressure from fragile areas such as incisive papilla and flabby ridges.

In complete denture tooth arrangement, what position is used as the reference for the upper central incisor incisal edges?

Answer: At the level of the relaxed lower lip line

The incisal edges of upper central incisors should be at or just below the relaxed upper lip line, allowing 1–2 mm of tooth display at rest for natural aesthetics.

Which systemic condition most significantly affects the success of complete dentures due to impaired neuromuscular control?

Answer: Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease causes involuntary tremor and impaired muscle coordination, making it very difficult for patients to control and adapt to complete dentures.