Management of the flabby ridge in complete denture construction.

UNLABELLED: As the prevalence of edentulousness has decreased, dentists can expect to treat increasing numbers of partially dentate patients. The number of adults who are edentate in the maxilla and partially dentate in the mandible is considerable, and present particular clinical challenges. A common finding is that of the flabby ridge, which affects retention and stability of the maxillary complete denture. This article describes some of the clinical problems, and suggests some management strategies.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The strategies for management of the flabby edentulous ridge can be used in everyday clinical practice and are based on recognized prosthodontic principles.