A Comparative Evaluation of Functional and Physiological Impression Techniques for Bilateral Distal Extension...

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Prosthodontics
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Distal extension removable partial dentures (RPDs) require precise impression techniques to ensure optimal support and stability.
• Understanding tissue displacement is crucial for fabricating RPDs that effectively distribute occlusal forces.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare tissue displacement using Hindels, selective pressure, and functional reline impression methods.
• To determine the optimal impression technique for recording tissues supporting distal extension RPDs.

Main Methods:

• Three impression techniques (Hindels, selective pressure, functional reline) were used to create casts for a patient with bilateral mandibular posterior tooth loss.
• Digital vernier calipers measured tissue displacement in anterior, middle, and posterior regions.
• Statistical analysis evaluated intra-group and inter-group differences.

Main Results:

• Tissue displacement increased from anterior to posterior regions within each technique, though not significantly.
• Hindels and selective pressure methods yielded significantly greater tissue displacement than the functional reline method (P < 0.001).
• Selective pressure showed the highest overall mean tissue displacement, followed by Hindels, then functional reline.

Conclusions:

• Hindels and selective pressure impression techniques provide superior tissue displacement compared to the functional reline method for distal extension RPDs.
• The selective pressure technique demonstrated the most favorable performance for distal extension RPDs.
• Controlled functional recording of the edentulous ridge enhances denture stability through balanced load distribution.