Prosthodontic approach to manage maxillary flabby ridge and severely resorbed mandibular residual ridge – a case report

Brief Background Fabrication of any dental prosthesis over a compromised residual alveolar ridge is really a challenge for prosthodontists. Fibrous or flabby ridge and highly resorbed residual alveolar ridge are two clinical situations that require special considerations during construction of any prosthesis. Mobile soft tissue and flattened alveolar ridge significantly compromise denture stability and support. There are different treatment modalities to manage these clinical conditions like surgical excision of soft tissue, ridge augmentation, modification in impression technique, etc. Materials and Methods This case report is about an old completely edentulous male patient who reported with a complaint of difficulty in chewing with his present denture. Discussion Prosthodontic management of a patient with compromised residual alveolar ridges needs special consideration . Selection of treatment modality depends on patients general health ,clinical condition of residual alveolar ridges , financial capacity and skill of the clinician A modification from conventional impression procedure was used to record maxillary flabby anterior ridge and neutral zone concept was applied for teeth arrangement to improve denture stability in atrophied lower alveolar ridge. Summary and Conclusions Surgical removal of soft tissue and implant supported prosthesis may not be possible in all situations. In that case a conservative approach using modified impression technique, neutral zone concept provides the basic triad of a successful denture prosthesis that is retention, stability and support. Key Words Flabby tissue, Window technique, Resorbed ridge, Neutral zone.