Can Fovea Palatinae Be Used to Determine Posterior Border of Maxillary Complete Denture? – An Invivo Study (Research Article)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: - For proper success of maxillary complete denture, proper retention is necessary. It is largely dependent upon proper posterior extension of the denture base and incorporation of properly made post-dam.

To locate posterior border and position of post-dam, we are to identify anatomical landmarks which can be displaced safely to some extent within physiological limit.

AIM: - Frequently, fovea palatinae is used to determine the posterior border of the denture. But the position of the fovea palatinae varies from races to races and from one individual to another.

So the aim of the study is to identify the relationship between fovea palatinae and posterior vibrating line in Bengali Population. This will help in making post-dam arbitrarily on the master cast also.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: - 120 edentulous patients having maxillary complete denture were selected. The fovea palatinae and posterior vibrating line were marked with indelible pencil and the distance between them were measured with a divider and Vernier Caliper. Then the results were assessed and analyzed statistically.

RESULTS: - The fovea palatinae is placed anterior to the posterior vibrating line in all the cases. But the distance between them varies accordingly to the type of soft palate. In Class I cases the distance is 4-5mm. In Class II cases it varies from 1.5-3.5 mm which is the commonest type of palate. In Class III type the distance is minimum which varies from 0.5-1.5mm.

CONCLUSION: - Placing posterior border of the upper complete denture on the fovea palatinae is not accurate in most of the cases. Only for Class III type of soft palate, we can make post-dam close to fovea palatinae. For other classes, post–dam should be placed more posterior to the fovea palatinae