Sir, with reference to the paper by Crawford and Walmsley (BDJ 2005; 199: 715–719), while I agree with the article almost in its entirety, there is one point I feel I must make.

In the discussion regarding the pre-prosthetic removal of a fibrous ridge they say this 'enhances the stability of the prosthesis'.

The glossary of prosthodontic terms defines stability as the resistance to displacement of a prosthesis in a horizontal direction. If ridges are removed, however flabby, this will decrease the stability of the prosthesis as there are fewer walls to offer resistance to lateral movement.

The authors are referring to increasing the support of the prosthesis which is defined as resistance to displacement towards the tissues and will, as they rightly point out, indirectly aid in retention.