Prosthodontics: complete dentures: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dentistry · Prosthodontics: complete dentures

Sample item

What is the most common cause of loss of retention of a maxillary complete denture during function?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Inadequate peripheral seal or border extension

Complete-denture retention depends on extension, border seal, adaptation, saliva, and neuromuscular control. Underextended or overextended borders can compromise seal and stability.

Option by option

  • A. Excess enamel thickness

    Edentulous dentures have no enamel.

  • B. A deep periodontal pocket

    Periodontal pockets occur around natural teeth.

  • C. Pulpal inflammation

    Pulpal inflammation cannot occur in an edentulous ridge.

  • D. Inadequate peripheral seal or border extension (correct)

    Correct. A poor peripheral seal allows air entry and loss of suction.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is D, Inadequate peripheral seal or border extension. Complete-denture retention depends on extension, border seal, adaptation, saliva, and neuromuscular control.

Why is "Excess enamel thickness" not the answer?

Edentulous dentures have no enamel.

Why is "A deep periodontal pocket" not the answer?

Periodontal pockets occur around natural teeth.

Why is "Pulpal inflammation" not the answer?

Pulpal inflammation cannot occur in an edentulous ridge.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Prosthodontics: complete dentures in Dentistry. Underextended or overextended borders can compromise seal and stability.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Prosthodontics: complete dentures?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.