Patient recently moved to the city, looking for a new dentist. Had nasal septum surgery 15 years ago with poor results. Referred by surgeon because prosthesis lacks retention. Chief complaint: wants new prostheses. Management?

Correct answer: B. Refer to surgeon (original defect causing retention failure must be addressed)

• A. Referring to a prosthodontist to simply remake the prosthesis would not address the underlying anatomic defect causing retention failure.
• B. Correct. Since the original surgical defect/poor surgical outcome appears to be the underlying cause of the retention problem, the appropriate first step is referral back to address/correct that anatomic issue before new prostheses can be expected to succeed.
• C. While ENT involvement may ultimately be part of the picture, the case specifically frames this around referring back regarding the surgical defect; option B captures this more precisely as written in the source material.
• D. Making new prostheses without addressing the underlying anatomic cause of poor retention would likely lead to the same retention failure recurring.