Method for adjusting the occlusion on immediate partial dentures – at the extraction visit

Checking the occlusion can be tricky at the fit appointment for immediate dentures. The local anaesthetic swells the soft tissues preventing the Immediate partial denture from seating fully as it does on the on the master cast. This results in the partial denture appearing high and propping the bite opening, particularly if the denture has been made to conform to the intercuspal position with the remaining natural teeth.

I adjust the occlusion on the partial denture to a point where the natural teeth come into contact when the patient bites firmly together in their intercuspal position. I use 40 micron articulating paper to adjust the denture occlusion until I see the same marks on any antagonistic opposing natural teeth:

a) with the immediate partial denture in place

b) without the partial denture in place

Denture Blog 57

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