Anatomical Landmarks Introduction
A dentist must be aware of orofacial anatomy that is associated with the making of prosthesis before fabricating the prosthesis. This chapter is about the characteristics of anatomical landmarks of maxillary and mandibular denture foundations.
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Anatomical Landmarks Definition
Anatomical Landmark:
A recognizable anatomic structure used as a point of reference.
Objectives Of Knowing The Anatomic Landmarks
- To find out the anatomic structures which provide a good denture support
- To know the structures limiting the periphery of dentures
- To ascertain the structures that will permit application of additional pressure
Read and Learn More: Preclinical Prosthodontics Notes
- To ascertain the structures which require relief
- To know vital structures to be taken care during implant placement
- To correlate the anatomic structures with the impression or landmarks produced on denture
- To estimate denture ange extension.
Anatomical Landmarks Classification
Anatomical landmarks are classified into three categories:
Supporting Structures (Stress Bearing Areas):
Support is resistance to vertical forces of mastication and to occlusal or other forces applied in a direction toward the denture foundation. The areas of support are divided into primary stress bearing areas (primary supporting area) and secondary stress bearing area (secondary supporting area).
Anatomical Landmarks In Dental Implants – Primary Stress Bearing Areas (Primary Supporting Areas):
Areas of edentulous ridges that are at right angles to occlusal forces and usually do not resorb easily. These areas are lined with grayish pink mucosa which is dense, keratinized and have minimal vascularity.
Secondary Stress Bearing Areas (Secondary Supporting Areas):
Areas of edentulous ridge that are at greater than right angles to occlusal forces or are parallel to them; also areas of edentulous ridges that are at right angles to occlusal forces but tends to resorb under load, e.g. anterior ridge and ridge slopes. They appear deep pink due to increased vascularity.
Anatomic Landmarks For Dentures – Valve Producing Structures (Limiting Structures):
It is important to know the structures that will limit the extension of the dentures. The dentures should extend as far as possible within the limits of physiologic health and function of the tissues and structures that surround and support them.
Anatomic Landmarks In Prosthodontics – Relief Areas:
Along with supporting and limiting areas some areas which cannot take up masticatory loads should be relieved. These areas are relieved due to presence of vital anatomical structures in that part of denture foundation, or bone and soft tissue is not of that quality which can withstand the masticatory force.
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