American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) Dental Hygiene Licensing Examination

The primary support area for a mandibular denture is the buccal shelf, which plays a vital role in the stability and retention of the denture. The buccal shelf is located in the mandible, adjacent to the gums, and it provides a broad and firm surface that can withstand occlusal forces during chewing. Its anatomical features, which include a relatively flat, resistant area supported by the buccinator muscle and the mandible itself, enhance the denture's performance by distributing functional loads effectively. In contrast, while the alveolar ridge provides some support, it can be resorptive over time, making it less reliable. The retromolar pad serves as an anatomical landmark and can offer some support, but it is not the primary area. The floor of the mouth, although important for tongue space and functional aspects of the denture, does not provide significant support for the denture base itself. Hence, the buccal shelf is the most critical area for achieving a stable and functional mandibular denture.