Comprehensive understandings in the shape of retromolar pad and its classification based on clinical application

ABSTRACT

Retromolar pad is one of anatomical landmarks to use clinically for determining of specific occlusal plane level in edentulous patients and is inherently a soft tissue mass; located at the distal end of mandible and should be covered with denture. The shapes of retromolar pad show variability because it might be inevitable to be resultant forms from healing and remodeling process after the extraction of last molars. Considerations would be focused on those resultant shapes and classification with anatomical relationships and clinical significances.