Prosthodontics & Occlusion · patient case question
Applegate's rules govern which aspect of treatment planning?
Patient case: A denture that will not stay put
demo: 71-year-old male
chief: His upper denture drops when he speaks and food collects under it. He also has a sore lump at the front.
history: He has worn the same maxillary complete denture for fourteen years and has never had it relined. Only the mandibular anterior teeth from 22 to 27 remain.
meds: None relevant.
findings: The maxillary anterior ridge is displaceable and mobile on palpation while the posterior ridge is firm. A folded, fibrous ridge of tissue lies in the labial sulcus adjacent to the denture flange. The mandibular anterior teeth show generalised wear.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Application of the Kennedy classification to removable partial dentures
- A. Tooth mould and shade selection follow facial form, complexion, age and patient preference.
- B. The posterior palatal seal is located from the vibrating line and the anatomy of the palate.
- C. Abutment selection for fixed bridges is guided by Ante's law and by crown-to-root ratio, root configuration and periodontal support.
- D. Correct. Applegate's eight rules resolve how the Kennedy classification is applied: classify after all extractions, let the most posterior edentulous area determine the class, count additional areas as modifications, ignore third molars if they are not to be replaced, and note that Class IV admits no modifications.
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