Anatomical landmarks

Introduction
M.M

Devan Dictum Aim of a prosthodontist is not only the meticulous replacement of what is missing, but also perpetual preservation of what is present Complete denture must function in harmony with the remaining natural tissues so for the success, a through knowledge of the anatomy is a must.

Maxillary landmarks
Labial frenum Labial vestibule Buccal frenum 4. Buccal vestibule 5. Distobuccal sulcus 6. Alveolar ridge 7. Tuberosity 8. Hamular notch 9. Hard palate (flat portions) 10. Fovea palatani 11. Mid palatine suture 12. Incissive papillae 13. Rugae
1. 2. 3.

Labial frenum
Single

band of fibrous connective tissue Properly relieved

Labial vestibule
Extends

from labial frenum to buccal frenum. Proper lip support should be provided.

Buccal frenum
Consist

of one or more

bands. Relieved Influenced by 3 muscles

Orbicularis oris (forward) Buccinator (backward) Caninus (position)

Buccal vestibule
Buccal

frenum to hamular

notch Influenced by

Buccinator Modiolus Coronid process of mandible

Alveolar ridge
Ridge

left after the extraction of teeth. Mucosa is firmly attached to the periosteum of the bone. Consist of dense collagenous fibers.

Maxillary tuberosity

Posterior convexity Combination syndrome

Hamular notch
Pterygomaxillary

notch Distal extension of denture Identifying the PPS area. Situated between the tuberosity and hamulus of the medial pterygoid plate.

Hard palate
Flat

areas as secondary retentive areas. U shaped palate Flat palate (not good support) V shaped palate (least favorable)

Fovea palatine
Formed

by coalescence of several mucous gland ducts. Landmark for location of vibrating line.

Mid palatine suture

Junction

of palatine process of maxilla. Covered by a thin mucosa Slightly elevated or raised Proper relief required.

Incisive papillae
Pad

of fiberous connective tissue over incisive foramen Proper relief should be given. Aid in arrangement of anterior teeth and jaw relation.

Rugae
Resist

the horizontal forces against the denture. Should not be over compressed.

Mandibular land marks

1.

2.
3. 4.

5.
6. 7.

8.
9.

Labial frenum Labial vestibule Buccal frenum Buccal vestibule Buccal shelf area Retromolar pad Pear shaped pad Lingual frenum Lingual vestibule

Labial frenum
Single

narrow band Usually shorter and wider than maxillary.

Labial vestibule
Between

labial and buccal frenum Support to the lower lip.

Buccal frenum
Single

or more bands. More clearance required

Buccal vestibule
Extend

up to external oblique ridge. Denture borders may overextend in this region

Buccal shelf area

It

is the primary stress bearing area. Consist of thick cortical bone & dense connective tissue

Retromolar pad area

Forms

the distal end of the denture. Consist of loose connective tissue

Pear shaped pad

Aggregation of mucous glands and loose, connective tissue. Formed after residual scar of third molar. Muscle attachments

Posteriorly temporalis tendons Laterally buccinator Medially pterygomandibular raphe and superior constrictor of pharynx.

Lingual frenum
Fibrous

band of tissue that overlies genioglossus Proper clearance required

Lingual vestibule
Divided

into three

Anterior vestibule Middle vestibule Distolingual vestibule

Anterior
Also

called sublingual crescent area Structures present

Genioglossus muscles Lingual frenum Anterior portion of sublingual gland

Middle
Also

called mylohyoid vestibule Is the largest portion of lingual vestibule Structures seen

Mylohyoid muscle Sublingual gland

Posterior

Also called lateral throat form or retromylohyoid fossa Boundaries

Anteriorly mylohyoid muscle Laterally pear shaped pad Posteriorly retromylohyoid curtain Medially - tongue