most of the prosthodontic texts state the anterior 1/2 to 2/3rds of retromolar pad as the distal limit of lower denture support. the pear shaped pad and retromolar pad differ histologically , but are difficult to demarcate clinically. Are we confusing the two different structures in our clinical practice?
In all other text, the term retromolar pad is used to describe for the triangular pad of loose connective tissue at the distal end of the lower residual ridge. However you have rightly pointed out that two text books define the two terms separately.
Prosthetic treatment of the edentulous patient by Basker. 5th ed. Ch. Impression Pg. 131
Textbook of Prosthodontics by Deepak Nallaswamy. 2007 ed. Ch. Primary impressions in complete denture. Pg. 57
The difference is rather histological and least clinical. The pear shaped area being covered with keratinized epithelium and the retromolar pad being covered with non-keratinized epithelium. It is said that they consider the retromolar pad area as the posterior extension of the pear shaped pad.
having read this, I would still go with the notion that retromolar pad and the pear shaped pad are essentially the interchangeable words for the same anatomical landmark as is mentioned in a lot of literature.
Hi Dear Dr. Faheemuddin.
In my own opinion I think there is no difference between both.
- Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
retromolar pad: a cushioned mass of tissue, frequently pear shaped, located on the alveolar process of the mandible behind the area of the last natural molar tooth; of particular concern in fitting full dentures.
Synonym(s): pear-shaped area
- Prosthetic Treatment of the Edentulous Patient By R. M. Basker: In the lower jaw, the denture should over the pear-shaped pads.
- Prosthodontic Treatment for Edentulous Patients: Complete Dentures By John Hobrink, George A. Zarb: The desirable distal extension is slightly to lingual of these bony prominences and includes the pear-shaped retromolar pad.
The histological differences in structures are not important in clinical practice.
Thank you.
No difference .... the shape of retromolar pads is like pear shape !
i noticed a difference in some books like Basker's book on complete dentures
In all other text, the term retromolar pad is used to describe for the triangular pad of loose connective tissue at the distal end of the lower residual ridge. However you have rightly pointed out that two text books define the two terms separately.
Prosthetic treatment of the edentulous patient by Basker. 5th ed. Ch. Impression Pg. 131
Textbook of Prosthodontics by Deepak Nallaswamy. 2007 ed. Ch. Primary impressions in complete denture. Pg. 57
The difference is rather histological and least clinical. The pear shaped area being covered with keratinized epithelium and the retromolar pad being covered with non-keratinized epithelium. It is said that they consider the retromolar pad area as the posterior extension of the pear shaped pad.
having read this, I would still go with the notion that retromolar pad and the pear shaped pad are essentially the interchangeable words for the same anatomical landmark as is mentioned in a lot of literature.
thank you for such valuable input people..but my questions still remains unanswered..because i think, that the two structures have wrongly been used interchangeably and some clinical guidline should exist to differentiate the two..
As mentioned in Boucher's 13th edition, Pear shaped pad is the anterior portion of retromolar pad, consisting of keratinised mucosa which is the remnant of gingival mucosa of the 3rd molar.
The whole of retromolar pad is to be covered by the denture base acting as a primary stress bearing area.
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