Impressions for Removable Partial Dentures Practice Test

Dense cortical bone provides primary support for a distal extension denture base. Its thick, compact structure resists deformation and carries functional loads more effectively, helping to distribute forces along the ridge and minimize tissue compression or bending of the base. In contrast, cancellous (trabecular) and medullary bone are more porous and compressible, offering less primary support. Therefore, greater amounts of cortical bone in the posterior portion of the ridge enhance the denture base’s primary load-bearing capacity.