Post-Dam in Complete Dentures

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!!