What is a recommended action for a patient complaining of soreness under a denture?

When a patient reports soreness under a denture, one of the first and most recommended actions is to check the occlusion of the lower buccal cusps. Proper occlusion is crucial for the comfortable and functional alignment of dentures. If the occlusion is off, it can lead to uneven pressure distribution on the mucosal tissue beneath the denture, causing soreness and discomfort.

Assessing the occlusion allows the clinician to identify any high spots or misalignments that could be contributing to the soreness. By adjusting those areas, the practitioner can enhance the fit and comfort of the denture, thus helping to alleviate the patient's symptoms.

Other actions may be appropriate depending on the situation, such as replacing the denture if it is overly worn or ill-fitting, applying a topical anesthetic to provide temporary relief, or conducting a full mouth examination to check for other underlying issues. However, checking the occlusion is a fundamental first step in managing soreness under a denture, making it a primary recommended action.