What is the best procedure if a surgical stent fits the gums but an immediate denture does not?

• A. Re-construct the surgical stent
• B. Re-construct the immediate denture
• C. Relieve it until it seats
• D. Adjust the occlusion

Answer: (C)

The best procedure in this scenario is to relieve the immediate denture until it fits properly. If the surgical stent fits well, it indicates that the underlying anatomy has been accurately represented. However, the immediate denture may not fit because of interference from the tissue healing process or changes in contour due to surgery.

Relieving the denture means selectively removing material from areas where it is contacting tissues too tightly, thus enabling better seating and comfort without compromising the overall fit. This approach allows for adjustments based on the immediate post-surgical anatomy while still allowing the immediate denture to serve its purpose in maintaining the aesthetics and function for the patient.

Re-constructing the surgical stent or the immediate denture may not be necessary. Adjusting the occlusion could also be part of the fit process, but will not address issues related to tissue adaptation if the denture is not seating properly due to pressure spots. Relieving the immediate denture is a targeted approach that addresses the specific issue of fit with the current patient's oral structure.