A patient wearing a mandibular RPD with a lingual plate major connector complains of pain only on the lingual aspect of the anterior teeth. What is the MOST appropriate adjustment?

Correct answer: D. Adjust the lingual plate in the anterior region only (relieve the offending area)

• A. Switching to a lingual bar would require significant laboratory work and is not necessary if the design is otherwise appropriate. A lingual bar is actually preferred when there is adequate space and healthy gingiva.
• B. Adding wax to the lingual plate would increase, not decrease, the pressure on the anterior lingual tissue — this would worsen, not resolve, the complaint.
• C. Complete remaking is expensive and time-consuming — it is not appropriate as the initial response to localized connector discomfort when a simple adjustment is possible.
• D. CORRECT. If the patient has localized pain on the lingual of the anterior teeth caused by a lingual plate, the appropriate conservative intervention is to relieve (adjust) the lingual plate specifically in that area. The adjustment removes pressure from the offending tissue without requiring complete remake of the prosthesis.