IDENTIFICATION OF THE POSTERIOR PALATAL SEAL BY ANATOMICAL LANDMARKS

Abstract

Posterior palatal seal is marked between the junction of hard palate and soft palate. Conventional method uses the phonetic sound to identify the posterior palatal seal. It is very challenging to record the junction due to various discrepancies. This method potentially extends beyond the posterior palatal seal which causes pain. To evaluate which method is more efficient in marking the posterior palatal seal and also which is more easier for the operator. A self designed questionnaire was circulated among the dental students in the Department of Prosthodontics. The questionnaire was divided into two groups before and after demonstrating anatomical method. The students were first allowed to record the posterior palatal seal in their method and then the anatomical method was demonstrated. It was found that nearly 50% of them had shortcomings with the technique they were following. Some of the few shortcomings are tissue compression, improper retention. About 90% of the dentists could mark the fovea palatine. Nearly 45% of them chose anatomical method over conventional. Many of them felt anatomical method had more retention than the other types. Furthermore studies should be conducted to check whether proper retention is attained through this technique.