Multidisciplinary Management of Limited Interocclusal Space: A Clinical Report

Abstract

Prosthetic management of partial edentulism can be challenging with the presence of limited interocclusal space. The extrusion of opposing teeth combined with the alveolar extrusion of the edentulous areas reduces the space needed for fabricating a removable or fixed prosthesis when edentulous areas are present in the maxilla. This clinical report describes the treatment provided to a patient who presented with a limited interocclusal space on the posterior right quadrant. Before prosthetic rehabilitation, mandibular right posterior teeth were intruded, and the maxillary right posterior alveolar crest was reduced by alveoloplasty. After gaining adequate space, prosthetic rehabilitation was completed with a maxillary removable partial denture. During the 2-year follow-up period, the patient's chewing functions and physical appearance improved, and no complications occurred. © 2011 by the American College of Prosthodontists.