Prosthodontics & Occlusion · single question
Ante's Law is needed/applied for which dental procedure?
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Correct answer: A. Fixed Partial Denture (FPD / Bridge)
Fixed Partial Denture (FPD) / Bridge (A). Ante's Law states: 'The combined pericemental area of the abutment teeth must be equal to or greater than the pericemental area of the teeth being replaced.' In simpler terms: the root surface area of abutment teeth must be at least equal to that of the missing teeth (pontics).
• This determines whether an FPD design is biomechanically feasible.
• Example: replacing both first and second molars (2 pontics) with only the second premolar as the sole abutment would violate Ante's Law.
• The law guides the number and selection of abutment teeth.
• It is specifically an FPD/bridge concept — RPDs have different support principles (Applegate's rules), and complete dentures rely on residual ridge support.
• This determines whether an FPD design is biomechanically feasible.
• Example: replacing both first and second molars (2 pontics) with only the second premolar as the sole abutment would violate Ante's Law.
• The law guides the number and selection of abutment teeth.
• It is specifically an FPD/bridge concept — RPDs have different support principles (Applegate's rules), and complete dentures rely on residual ridge support.
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