Structure of the mouth in the mandibular molar region and its relation to the denture

Abstract

1. Dissections of the edentulous mouth show the main areas on which the posterior part of the lower denture must rest. 2. The preparation of a denture base for a cadaver allows confirmation of the structures actually covered. 3. A constrictor square overlies the part of the superior constrictor bounded superiorly by the palate and medially by the anterior pillar of the fauces. 4. A glandular triangle lies between the inferior border of the constrictor and the posterior border of the mylohyoid, largely filled by the submandibular gland. 5. The denture rests on the residual ridges of the mucoperiosteum and mandible, with its flanges overlying the origins of the mylohyoid and buccinator. 6. Posteriorly, it extends over the square and triangle and crosses the retromolar pad. 7. The yielding triangle allows a retromylohyoid extension of the denture and the pad and the construction of a small post dam, giving excellent seal. 8. Over the anterior border and temporal crest of the mandible, the tissues are less yielding, and this is a region of critical seal. 9. The anterior edges of the masseter and medial pterygoid muscles lie on either side of this region. 10. The medial pterygoid muscle prevents any considerable extension of the denture into the constrictor square.