PRE-EXTRACTION RECORDS ARE RELIABLE TOOL FOR COMPLETE DENTURE FABRICATION: AN OVERVIEW

Dr. Samarth Kumar Agarwal*, Dr. Romil Singhal, Dr. Kumari Kalpana, Dr. Prakhar Khurana

ABSTRACT

Pre-extraction records provide important clinical data for the continuing treatment of the complete denture patient. These data reveal the progressive changes which occur when natural teeth are extracted. Many methods of recording pre-extraction data have been advocated. Dentists use arbitrary methods while determining the vertical dimension of occlusion and arranging the maxillary anterior teeth. Though there are many advances in techniques and materials employed in the field of prosthodontics for recording vertical dimension at occlusion; still, there is no accurate method for assessing vertical dimension of occlusion in edentulous patients and henceforth difficulty is faced by clinician during denture fabrication. Prosthodontists who do not make use of pre-extraction records and consider the natural findings of the patient while denture fabrication lack the scientific component in denture fabrication, translating into compromised patient’s satisfaction. Every denture should be characterized according to existing state rather than performing a pearl like arrangement of artificial teeth. Pre-extraction records provide a useful guide while fabricating denture and it should be preferred over arbitrary methods which are commonly used. Therefore, pre-extraction records serve as a reliable tool during denture fabrication.

Keywords: Diagnostic cast, radiograph, photograph, Sorenson profile.