What is the initial approach when a surgical stent fits but the immediate denture does not?

When a surgical stent fits properly but the immediate denture does not, the appropriate initial approach is to relieve until it seats. This involves carefully checking the areas of the denture that are causing a lack of fit and making specific adjustments to allow the denture to correctly seat in the mouth. This process can include identifying areas of excessive pressure from the denture and selectively relieving the material to accommodate the underlying anatomy, especially if there have been changes due to surgery or swelling.

By performing this relief, you can enhance the fit of the immediate denture, making it more comfortable for the patient and maximizing its functional effectiveness. Shoulder adjustments based on observations from the stent can be crucial, as the stent often provides a better representation of the desired spatial relationships of the teeth and supporting structures.

In this context, merely adjusting the denture material may not address specific fit issues effectively, and replacing the immediate denture without further assessment would be premature. Consulting a specialist may be beneficial later in the process but is not the immediate step when trying to resolve fit issues.