Preparing teeth to receive a removable partial denture

The success or failure of a removable partial denture is dependent on many factors. To achieve success, the practitioner must develop and sequence a sound treatment plan based on clinical and radiographic evidence. These findings must be carefully considered in prosthesis design and mouth preparation. Particular attention must be given to the proper placement of guiding planes and well-made rest seats and the use of surveyed crowns on abutment teeth. This article describes the rationale, importance, and clinical procedures for abutment preparation for removable partial dentures.