Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

In which anatomical condition might a patient experience lingual impingement with a removable partial denture?

1. Thickened lingual tissue

2. Short lingual frenum

3. Exostoses

4. Hyperplastic tissue

The correct answer is: Thickened lingual tissue

The correct answer involves understanding the implications of thickened lingual tissue in the context of removable partial dentures. In patients who have thickened lingual tissue, this condition can lead to increased tissue bulk in regions where the denture might sit or rest. As the removable partial denture is positioned in the mouth, the thickened tissue may cause displacement or pressure that impinges on the lingual side of the denture, resulting in discomfort or trauma to the underlying tissue. Additionally, thickened tissue can complicate the seating of the denture, making it difficult to achieve an optimal fit. This anatomical characteristic can affect the stability and retention of the partial denture, necessitating adjustments for comfort and functionality. In contrast, other conditions listed may not directly lead to the same type of impingement. For instance, a short lingual frenum could restrict tongue movement but wouldn’t necessarily cause the same pressures that lead to impingement. Exostoses refer to bony growths that may not interfere with denture fit in the same way as soft tissue variations. Hyperplastic tissue can present in various forms but typically does not create the same anatomical bulk associated with impingement as does thickened lingual tissue.