Prosthodontic treatment of pendulous maxillary tuberosities

Reduction of the maxillary tuberosities is not always possible when indicated, and it is sometimes necessary to solve the problem by modifying the construction procedures for the complete denture. Because of inadequate space between the maxillary tuberosity and the retromolar pad, acrylic bases of adequate thickness could not be used. Instead, gold shims 1-min thick were cast over the tuberosities. They had loops around the periphery and V-shaped recesses to allow for even finishing of the wax-up of the record base to the gold shims. Jaw relation records were made and the teeth were set in bilateral crossbite because of the discrepancy in arch size. The acrylic resin was then processed, the dentures finished and polished, and normal laboratory and clinical remount procedures observed. Because there was some space available, this technique worked well. Both tuberosities and retromolar pad areas may also be cast in gold to allow for even thinner base in this area; however, when surgical reduction is possible, it is still the preferable treatment.