National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

Which anatomy features should be included in an impression?

1. Only the teeth

2. Teeth and gums

3. All erupted teeth and retromolar pads

4. Only the molars

The correct answer is: All erupted teeth and retromolar pads

Including all erupted teeth and retromolar pads in an impression is essential for several reasons. The impression must capture the full arch of the dental anatomy to ensure that any dental prosthetics, restorations, or orthodontic appliances will fit accurately and comfortably in the mouth. Erupted teeth provide crucial information about the occlusion and relationship between the upper and lower jaws. The retromolar pads, located at the back of the mandible, are significant anatomical landmarks that help in determining the proper extension and positioning of dentures, particularly in complete dentures. These areas provide critical information about the underlying bony structures that support the dental and soft tissues. In contrast, options that suggest capturing only teeth or excluding certain structures would not provide enough information for a complete and functional dental impression, which is why they are not adequate. An impression that includes all erupted teeth and retromolar pads ultimately serves to enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of subsequent dental procedures.