A contemporary review of the factors involved in complete dentures. Part III: support

Dentists must base their technique on an understanding of the biologic aspects of the relationship between the denture base and supporting tissues. Those tissues must be able to tolerate functional stresses without promoting patient discomfort and should be recorded in such a manner that these areas provide complete denture support. Anatomic regions that satisfy the requirements for providing primary support should make positive contact with the denture base under functional loading. Those that are less resistant to long-term changes or are unable to tolerate stress should be relieved of excessive contact with the denture base. Selection of those regions that should provide primary and secondary support depends on the anatomic variations unique to each patient.