e. Insertion and Adjustments. At the time of denture insertion, any minor
corrections are made and the patient is given instructions in the use and care of the
dentures. An appointment may be given for further adjustments.
5-13. DENTURE REPAIR, RELINE, AND REBASE
It may become necessary to repair, reline, or rebase dentures. Clinical aspects
for these procedures vary and the assistance required by the dental specialist will be as
directed by the dental officer.
a. Repair. Dentures occasionally require repairing. Some repairs may be done
without seating the denture in the mouth. Other repairs will require that an impression
be made of the dental arch with the denture in place so that a cast can be made with
denture properly related to the teeth and supporting tissues.
b. Reline. Relining of dentures is a process of replacing the tissue surface of
the dentures to compensate for changes in the supporting structure.
c. Rebase. Rebasing is a procedure in which the denture base material is
replaced by new material.
5-14. LABORATORY PROCEDURES
In the absence of a dental laboratory specialist, the dental specialist in
prosthodontics may be required to perform laboratory duties such as pouring
impressions, adapting baseplates, performing minor repairs, and polishing dentures.
All impressions must be prepared and poured in an appropriate material within a few
minutes after removal from the mouth. These procedures are described in TC 8-226.
When prosthetic cases are ready for fabrication in the laboratory, the dental specialist
should complete the administrative section of DD Form 2322 (Dental Laboratory Work
Authorization) accompanying the case. The prosthesis design and other details
included on this form should be completed by the dental officer.
5-15. AREA DENTAL LAB
TB MED 148 outlines prosthodontic services provided by the Area Dental Lab
(ADL). TB MED 148 also tells how to prepare cases sent to the ADL. The dental
specialist or dental laboratory specialist must be familiar with the provisions in TB MED
148 and follow the instructions explicitly.
MD0503
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