Severely Resorbed Edentulous Ridges: A Preventive Prosthodontic Approach – A Case Report

As a dentist our main aim should be prevention which not only includes prevention of caries and or periodontal disease but also prevention of residual alveolar bone loss after teeth are extracted. Today with greater stress on preventive measures, the dental profession has expanded this preventive concept into Prosthodontics. Preventive Prosthodontics emphasizes the importance of any procedure that can delay or eliminate the future Prosthodontic problem and stop further progression of oral disease and prevent the loss of remaining tissues. The Residual Ridge Resorption (RRR) is an inevitable consequence of tooth loss and denture wearing. Severe RRR gradually results in increased interarch distance, significant horizontal discrepancy between edentulous ridges, occurrence of flabby displaceable tissues in the denture bearing area and other sequelae. Prosthetic rehabilitation in these patients can be challenging. The conventional complete denture fabrication in such cases may further compound the poor denture bearing ability of the tissues and lead to decreased retention, stability and support which may result in psychological problems and social isolation. This case report emphasizes the importance of preventive concepts in every step of complete denture fabrication to offer a long serviceable prosthesis without any significant complications and compromise.