Wearing of removable partial dentures in relation to periodontal pockets

Abstract

Using a representative sample of 5028 dentulous Finnish adults the occurrence of periodontal pockets was studied separately for the maxillae and the mandibles among removable partial denture (RPD) wearers and non-wearers. RPD(s) were worn in 11.2% of the 3444 maxillae with at least four natural teeth remaining, and in 7.7% of the 4706 corresponding mandibles (P less than 0.001). Periodontal pockets were more frequently observed in maxillae than mandibles. Wearing of RPDs highly significantly (P less than 0.0001) increased the odds of having periodontal pockets in general (4 mm or more) as well as the odds of having deeper periodontal pockets (exceeding 6 mm). This phenomenon was observed both in the maxillae and in the mandibles. These results suggest that wearing of RPD is a threat to periodontal tissues and that dentists should take care to frequently recall their patients fitted with RPD(s). During the recall visits more attention should be paid to the periodontal conditions of patients wearing RPD(s).

Why do dentists struggle with removable partial denture design? An assessment of financial and educational issues

“…There is clear evidence to demonstrate the potential for tissue damage caused by poorly designed and constructed CCRPDs. [21][22][23][24] Devolving the design of CCRPDs to the dental technician is clearly not appropriate, as they do not have access to crucial information relating to the nature and health of the dental and periodontal tissues. 12 Furthermore, there are now legal, ethical, and educational guidelines that require dental practitioners to clearly and adequately design CCRPDs.…”

Association of removable partial denture use with oral and systemic health

“…18 Gingival inflammation, probing depths and gingival recession have all been reported to be greater in patients wearing RPDs. [19][20][21] In one study of >5000 adults (of whom 11% had maxillary RPDs and 8% had mandibular RPDs), wearing of RPDs significantly increased the odds of having pockets of 4 mm and 6 mm. 21 Another study has also reported that wearing RPDs resulted in higher plaque scores, gingival inflammation and loss of attachment at abutment teeth compared with non-abutment teeth, and that there is an increased frequency of higher plaque levels, gingivitis and attachment loss with increased denture age.…”

“…[19][20][21] In one study of >5000 adults (of whom 11% had maxillary RPDs and 8% had mandibular RPDs), wearing of RPDs significantly increased the odds of having pockets of 4 mm and 6 mm. 21 Another study has also reported that wearing RPDs resulted in higher plaque scores, gingival inflammation and loss of attachment at abutment teeth compared with non-abutment teeth, and that there is an increased frequency of higher plaque levels, gingivitis and attachment loss with increased denture age. 22 Tooth mobility has also been reported to increase to a greater extent at RPD abutment teeth compared with non-abutment teeth when assessed objectively with the Periotest.…”

Quality of written prescriptions and master impressions for fixed and removable prosthodontics: a comparative study

“…The design of any prosthesis is based on mechanical and biological principles. [5][6][7][8][9] It follows that if master impressions are being sent to dental laboratories with inadequate design information, the technician does not have access to crucial information relating to the nature and health of the periodontal tissues. 18 The potential for unnecessary and unjustifiable tissue damage is clear.…”

“…[5][6][7][8][9] This information should then be communicated in a clear and unambiguous manner to the dental technician. 10 Inadequate communication of design information results in a prosthesis that has been fabricated with little reference to important clinical or biological information.…”