Prosthodontics & Occlusion · single question
The primary stress-bearing area for a mandibular complete denture is the:
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Correct answer: A. Buccal shelf
- A. Correct. The buccal shelf (between the external oblique ridge and the residual ridge, covered by dense cortical bone) is the primary stress-bearing area of the mandible because it lies at right angles to occlusal forces.
- B. The mandibular ridge crest is often a secondary/poor support area due to its resorption pattern.
- C. The retromolar pad is important for the posterior border seal/extension, not primary stress-bearing.
- D. Genial tubercles are relief areas, not stress-bearing.
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