[The anatomy of the maxillary and mandibular retromolar area. Effect on complete dentures. 1. The retrotuberosity space].

Located at the border between vestibule and palatine area, the retrotuberosity space plays a major role in full dentures, as it involves the lateral portion of the posterior palatine joint. The arrangement of the pterygo-maxillary complex determines the morphology of this space and its use in full prosthesis. In most cases, the pterygo-mandibular ligament originates at a distance of the tuberosity, leaving a small mucosal fold, posterior to the tuberosity. This element, often mistaken with the origin of the ligament, should neither be released at the prosthetic border, nor be considered as a negative index. On the contrary, the presence of compressible submucosal glandular tissue, could be used when the posterior joint is prepared.