A denture that relies primarily on the mucosa for support and retention is called what?

A denture that relies primarily on the mucosa for support and retention is called what?

• A. Complete denture
• B. Removable partial denture
• C. Overdenture
• D. Fixed bridge

Answer: (A)

A denture that relies primarily on the mucosa for support and retention is a complete denture. In an edentulous arch, the denture base sits on the mucosa over the residual ridges, and support comes from the tissues while retention is aided by suction, the peripheral seal, and saliva. This is different from a removable partial denture, which gains most of its support from the remaining teeth; an overdenture, while contacting mucosa, relies mainly on retained roots or implants for retention and stability; and a fixed bridge is cemented to adjacent teeth and not designed to be removable. So the mucosa-supported full-arch denture fits the description.

A denture that relies primarily on the mucosa for support and retention is a complete denture. In an edentulous arch, the denture base sits on the mucosa over the residual ridges, and support comes from the tissues while retention is aided by suction, the peripheral seal, and saliva. This is different from a removable partial denture, which gains most of its support from the remaining teeth; an overdenture, while contacting mucosa, relies mainly on retained roots or implants for retention and stability; and a fixed bridge is cemented to adjacent teeth and not designed to be removable. So the mucosa-supported full-arch denture fits the description.