Retromolar Pad
Pronunciation: ret-roh-MOH-lar
The pear-shaped fibrous pad of soft tissue located distal to the last molar in the lower arch, used as a landmark for denture construction and surgical planning.
Full Definition
The retromolar pad is a rounded, resilient pad of mucous membrane and fibrous connective tissue situated immediately behind the mandibular third molar region. It serves as an important anatomical landmark in the fabrication of complete lower dentures, as the posterior border of the denture base should cover at least the anterior third of the pad. It is also referenced in surgical exposures, implant site assessment, and as a donor site for free gingival grafts. Editors working on prosthodontic or oral surgery texts must not confuse it with the 'retromolar trigone', which is an anatomical region of the oral cavity, not a soft-tissue pad.
Usage
Usage note: Always written as two words. Not hyphenated. Do not conflate with 'retromolar trigone', which is a distinct anatomical region relevant to oral cancer staging.
In Context
- "The posterior border of the lower denture was extended to cover one-third of the retromolar pad bilaterally." — Complete denture construction clinical record
- "A free gingival graft was harvested from the retromolar pad area to augment keratinised tissue around the implant." — Periodontal/implant surgery case notes