Post-dam in complete dentures

Dr Sara Jaser MDSc in Prosthodontics - UK MFDS RCSEd - UK BDS - Jordan

No posterior..!!

Posterior palatal seal area

The soft tissues at or beyond the junction of the hard and soft palates on which pressure, within the physiologic limits of the tissues, can be applied by a denture.

Post dam
The elevated lip of acrylic in the denture contacting the posterior palatal seal area.

Aims
Complete the peripheral seal
consequently achieving

Retention Stability

Advantages
1. Reduces: -Gag reflex -Tongue discomfort -Food accumulation 2. Compensate for volumetric shrinkage 3. Partial vacuum effect

Anatomical Landmarks
Pterygomaxillary notch Pterygoid process Maxillary tuberosity Fovea palatini Median palatal raphe Pterygomandibular raphe Posterior nasal spine Torus palatinus

All but.!!
Pterygomaxillary seal Postpalatal seal AVL PVL

Posterior palatal seal area

House Classification
Class I Class II Class III

Postdamming - Outlines
Major-Minor

Cupid-bow Single line

Class ??

Class ??

Depth and Width

Postdamming - Stages
Master Impression

Jaw registration Try-in Post insertion

Techniques
Anatomical Functional fluid wax technique Arbitrary (dentist/technician)

Techniques - anatomical

Potential Over-compression

Techniques - functional

Fluid wax technique

Advantages Disadvantages

Physiologic technique Over-compression is avoided Mechanical scraping of the cast is avoided Posterior palatal seal is added to the trial base

Time! Difficulty handling the material

Troubleshooting
Underextension Overextension

Troubleshooting
Shallow Deep

It is your job and only yours!!