Retromylohyiod fossa

contents
Definition Introduction Boundaries Classification Method for recording Clinical significance

Definition
An anatomic area in the alveololingual sulcus just lingual to the retromolar pad bounded anteriorly by the mylohyoid ridge, posteriorly by the retromylohyoid curtain, inferiorly by the floor of the alveololingual sulcus, and lingually by the anterior tonsillary pillar when the tongue is in relaxed position.GPT-4

INTRODUCTION
The distolingual vestibule of alvelolingual sulcus is referred to as the lateral throat form or retromylohyoid fossa.

 The retro mylohyoid fossa is the pouch forming the posterior terminus of the alveolingual sulcus on each side.

Boundaries
The lateral throat form is bounded anteriorly by the mylohyoid muscle, laterally by the pear shaped pad, posterolaterally by the superior constrictor muscle, posteromedially by the palatoglossus muscle, and medially by the tongue.

 The mylopharyngeus, buccopharyngeus and glossopharyngeus parts of the superior constrictor muscle are thin and easily displaceable. The so called S- curve of the mandibular denture, as viewed from the lingual result from the stronger intrinsic and extrinsic tongue muscles, which usually place the retromylohyoid fossa, as they oppose the weaker superior constrictor muscle.

 The posterior limit of the mandibular denture is determined mainly by palatoglossus muscle and somewhat by weaker superior constrictor of pharynx.This area is called retromylohyoid curtain.

 Neil classified lateral throat form as class I, class II, class III. Class III -minimum length and thickness -border usually ends 23mm below the mylohyoid bridge. -thickness not more than 2mm

Class I
-Long and wide flanged -Thickness vary from 23mm Class II -half as long and narrow as class I and about as long as classIII

Recording retromylohyoid fossa

The distal end of the lingual flange is moulded by asking the patient to protude the tounge. This action activates the superior constrictor muscle,which supports the retromylohyoid curtain. The patient is asked to close the mouth as the dentist applies the downward force on the impression tray. This records any effect that the contraction of medial pterygoid muscle on retromolar curtain.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Border seal. These flanges present favourable inclined planes to the tongue resulting in vectors of force that help to maintain the mandibular denture in place.

 The retromylohyiod extension has a stabilizing effect on complete mandibular dentures. The influence of the retro mylohyoid extension on mandibular complete denture stabiity. Int J Prosthodont. 1992 jan-feb;5(1): 34-8

References
Prosthodontic treatment for edentulous patients,zarb-bolender,12th edition. Impressions for complete dentures, Bernard Levin.