The Denture Review Notes Template
A denture review notes template captures the post-fit review visit — patient subjective report on comfort and function, soft tissue assessment for ulceration / stomatitis / pressure areas, occlusal check for settlement-related discrepancies, adjustments made with specific sites recorded, retention and stability re-assessment, and follow-up plan or discharge — meeting BSSPD standards.
Denture review notes that record "adjusted, comfortable" without specifying what was adjusted are the source of progressive instability complaints. Below is the template UK dentists paste into their PMS for every denture review.
Download the free Denture Review template — plain text, GDC/FGDP(UK)-aligned.
Why this denture review template wins
- Patient subjective report structured — comfort / function / speech / aesthetics — captures the patient experience holistically.
- Soft tissue exam with specific sites — ulceration and stomatitis are common, documented exam prevents missed issues.
- Adjustments recorded SPECIFICALLY (which cusp, what bur, what depth) — defends against progressive instability complaints.
- Retention / stability comparison to fit visit — tracks adaptation.
- Polish after adjustment confirmed — rough adjusted surfaces cause new ulcers if not polished.
Compliance: the medico-legal angle
- BSSPD Guidelines in Prosthetic Dentistry.
- GDC Principle 4 — post-fit reviews are part of the complete prosthodontic record.
- Indemnity defence — denture complaints often allege "they didn't check / didn't adjust" — documented review with specific adjustments is the defence.
Common mistakes UK dentists make
- "Adjusted, comfortable" with no specifics — undefendable if later issues.
- No soft tissue exam with denture out — stomatitis and ulceration missed.
- No polish after adjustment recorded — rough acrylic surface causes new ulceration.
- No subjective patient report — captures only clinician findings, misses functional complaints.
- No follow-up scheduled — patients adapt to bad fit, develop chronic complaints.
Frequently asked questions
When should the first denture review be?
24-48 hours or 1 week after fit. Earlier (24-48h) for acute issues. 1 week allows tissues to settle and adapt enough to assess realistic fit and function.
How many reviews does a denture need?
Typical: 1 week / 1 month / 6 months / annual thereafter. More if specific issues. Each review needs documentation. Discharge to annual recall once comfortable.
How do I assess denture stomatitis?
Newton classification: Grade I (localised inflammation), Grade II (diffuse erythematous mucosa), Grade III (granular papillary hyperplasia). Common with overnight wear and poor cleaning. Treat with: removal at night, denture cleaning, anti-fungal if persistent (Miconazole oral gel — caution with warfarin).
When do I do a chairside reline?
Soft chairside reline (Coe-Soft, Lynal): tissue surface remodelling issues, temporary fix while tissues heal. Hard chairside reline (Tokuyama Rebase Fast II): more permanent but limited longevity. Lab reline: most durable. Document the type and rationale.
What if the patient complains about appearance after fit?
Document specifically what they don't like. Options: minor adjustments (shape, length), remake from try-in if substantial change requested, accept (within reason) if it matches the agreed prescription. Patient agreement at try-in is the defensive line.
How long should a denture last?
Acrylic complete denture: typically 5-10 years before significant alveolar resorption requires reline or remake. Some last longer with regular maintenance. Educate patients that dentures are not "lifelong" devices.