What could cause soreness of both ridges in a patient who has just received complete dentures?

What could cause soreness of both ridges in a patient who has just received complete dentures?

• A. Over extended flange
• B. Allergy
• C. Poor oral hygiene
• D. Decreased freeway space

Answer: (D)

Soreness of both ridges in a patient who has just received complete dentures can indeed be attributed to decreased freeway space. Freeway space refers to the vertical distance between the upper and lower occlusal surfaces when the jaw is in a resting position. When this space is diminished, it can lead to undue pressure on the alveolar ridges, causing discomfort and soreness. In the case of newly fitted complete dentures, if the dentures are designed or adjusted in a way that reduces this freeway space, the continuous contact between the upper and lower dentures can irritate the underlying tissues. This irritation manifests as soreness in the ridges. Proper adjustment of denture fit and ensuring adequate freeway space are critical to prevent discomfort in patients. Other options such as an overextended flange or allergy could also lead to discomfort, but they typically have more localized effects, affecting specific areas rather than causing soreness in both ridges simultaneously. Poor oral hygiene might contribute to irritation or infection but does not directly correlate with the immediate soreness from denture fitting.

Soreness of both ridges in a patient who has just received complete dentures can indeed be attributed to decreased freeway space. Freeway space refers to the vertical distance between the upper and lower occlusal surfaces when the jaw is in a resting position. When this space is diminished, it can lead to undue pressure on the alveolar ridges, causing discomfort and soreness.

In the case of newly fitted complete dentures, if the dentures are designed or adjusted in a way that reduces this freeway space, the continuous contact between the upper and lower dentures can irritate the underlying tissues. This irritation manifests as soreness in the ridges. Proper adjustment of denture fit and ensuring adequate freeway space are critical to prevent discomfort in patients.

Other options such as an overextended flange or allergy could also lead to discomfort, but they typically have more localized effects, affecting specific areas rather than causing soreness in both ridges simultaneously. Poor oral hygiene might contribute to irritation or infection but does not directly correlate with the immediate soreness from denture fitting.