After RCT of tooth #21, the clinician wants to prevent further resorption of the distal bone. What is the BEST approach to redistribute forces on the RPD abutment?

Correct answer: B. Splint tooth #21 with tooth #22 to distribute forces

• A. A cantilever extension distal to #21 would ADD more torquing force to #21 — the opposite of what is needed.
• B. CORRECT. Splinting tooth #21 (the RPD abutment under stress) to the adjacent tooth #22 distributes the torquing and tipping forces from the RPD over two teeth instead of one. This reduces the stress on the periodontal support of #21, decreases bone resorption risk, and improves the stability of the abutment in the long term.
• C. Extracting #22 would eliminate a natural tooth without justification and would not address the stress on #21.
• D. Leaving the RPD unchanged ignores the documented problem of excessive torque causing bone loss. A modification is clinically indicated.