If the anterior teeth have excessive undercut, what approach should be taken according to best practice?

When excessive undercut is present on anterior teeth in the context of removable partial dentures (RPDs), employing a "step-back" technique in the lingual plate is the best practice. This method allows for the creation of appropriate retentive features while accommodating the anatomy of the teeth and preserving as much tooth structure as possible. By using this technique, clinicians can manage the undercut effectively without compromising the integrity of the dental arch or causing unnecessary removal of enamel.

The "step-back" approach helps in precisely contouring the lingual side of the retainer, ensuring that the denture can engage adequately without causing discomfort or interference with the overall fit. This allows for the retention required for the RPD while maintaining a harmonious relationship with the natural teeth.

In contrast, enameloplasty, while it may seem like a direct solution to remove the undercut, runs the risk of damaging the tooth structure and potentially affecting the long-term health of the anterior teeth. Leaving the undercut unaddressed could lead to retention issues with the RPD, while performing root canal therapy does not directly relate to the management of undercuts and would be an inappropriate approach in this scenario.