Management of the Flabby Ridge Using a Special Impression Technique

Abstract

The flabby ridge is commonly observed in the anterior region of the maxillary arch in fully edentulous patients. It is characterised by non-adherent hypertrophic mucosal lesions overlying the underlying bone, often with excessive bone resorption. Management of the flabby ridge is essential prior to the placement of a definitive prosthesis, whether by surgical resection or the use of specific prosthetic methods. This management aims to ensure stability and optimal retention of the prosthesis. In order to determine the type of intervention to be chosen, a thorough interview and clinical examination are carried out. Several parameters are considered, such as the volume of the flabby ridge, the degree of underlying bone resorption, the type of prosthetic rehabilitation planned and the presence of any contraindications to surgery. These factors will guide the decision on the most appropriate treatment. In this article, we focus on a non-surgical approach to the management of the flabby ridge, which involves the selection of a specific type of impression. This impression technique aims to record the ridge in its static state, without compression or displacement, while ensuring precise muco-dynamic recording of the adjacent tissues.