Prosthodontics and Occlusion Flashcards

Which of the following is a contraindication to implant placement?

Answer: History of radiation to the head and neck

Prior radiation therapy to the head and neck significantly compromises bone vascularity and healing, increasing the risk of osteoradionecrosis and implant failure.

The neutral zone in complete denture construction represents:

Answer: The area where buccal and lingual muscle forces are in equilibrium

The neutral zone is the area in the edentulous mouth where the outward tongue pressure equals the inward cheek and lip pressure, providing the ideal location for artificial teeth.

Osseointegration of a dental implant refers to:

Answer: Direct structural and functional connection between bone and the implant surface

Osseointegration is the direct bone-to-implant contact without an intervening fibrous layer, providing the rigid anchorage that dental implants depend upon.

The Christensen phenomenon describes:

Answer: The development of a posterior open bite in protrusive movement with balanced occlusion dentures

The Christensen phenomenon is the opening of a wedge-shaped space posteriorly during protrusive movement in complete dentures without balanced occlusion.

Fixed partial denture (bridge) pontic designs should ideally contact the residual ridge:

Answer: With light contact that can be cleansed (modified ridge lap or ovate)

The modified ridge lap and ovate pontic designs provide acceptable aesthetics with light tissue contact that can be cleaned, balancing appearance and hygiene.

Protrusive records in complete denture fabrication are used to set the:

Answer: Condylar guidance angle on the articulator

Protrusive records allow the clinician to program the condylar guidance angle (Hanau's formula: H = P/8 + 12) on the semi-adjustable articulator.