A patient with a mandibular removable partial denture complains of discomfort in the anterior lingual region. On the cast, the lingual bar sits very close to the interdental papillae and appears to be impinging on the tissue. What is the correct management?

Correct answer: D. Adjust/reposition the lingual bar so it clears the gingival margin

• A. Tissue conditioner treats an ill-fitting denture BASE; the offending component here is the major connector.
• B. A lingual plate is the alternative major connector chosen when there is INSUFFICIENT vertical space for a bar — it deliberately covers the cingula and gingiva, which would worsen tissue coverage here rather than solve the impingement.
• C. The complaint is localized soft-tissue impingement from the major connector, not an occlusal vertical dimension problem.
• D. Correct. The superior border of a mandibular lingual bar must be at least 3 mm apical to the free gingival margins (and the bar needs ~4 mm of vertical height plus 8 mm of available floor-of-mouth depth). A bar positioned against the papillae strangulates the marginal gingiva and causes exactly this complaint. Relieve/reposition the bar to restore that clearance.