Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

What is the sequence of treatment for relining complete dentures that show wear?

1. Rebase then reline

2. Adjust occlusion and then reline

3. Build up posterior occlusion and then reline

4. Replace the dentures

The correct answer is: Build up posterior occlusion and then reline

The sequence of treatment for relining complete dentures that show wear involves the buildup of posterior occlusion before proceeding with the relining. This approach is essential because addressing the occlusal relationships is critical to ensuring functional efficiency and comfort for the patient. When dentures show wear, it often indicates that the occlusion may have changed due to factors like attrition or tooth movement. By building up the posterior occlusion first, you can create a proper occlusal relationship that promotes even distribution of force during chewing and minimizes stress on the supporting structures. This step is crucial in providing the optimal foundation for the relining process, as relining without correcting the occlusion might lead to further uneven wear or discomfort post-treatment. After the occlusal adjustments are made, relining the dentures allows for a better fit and improved adaptation to the edentulous ridges, accommodating changes that have occurred over time due to bone resorption or tissue changes. This two-step approach helps in achieving a functional and comfortable outcome for the patient. The other methods, such as rebase or simply adjusting occlusion without a buildup first, do not sequentially address the underlying issues of occlusal discrepancy and wear effectively, which is why the treatment sequence emphasizing posterior occlusal