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Indications for removable partial dentures: a literature review
Bernd Wöstmann1, Ejvind Budtz-Jørgensen, Nick Jepson
1Department of Prothodontics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany. Bernd.Woestmann@dentist.med.uni-giessen.de
The International Journal of Prosthodontics
|May 14, 2005
Summary
Evidence for removable partial denture indications is limited, though basic principles exist. Trends favor alternatives like shortened dental arches or implants due to risks and patient acceptance issues with conventional dentures.
Area of Science:
- Dental Prosthetics
- Evidence-Based Dentistry
Background:
- Removable partial dentures (RPDs) are common dental restorations.
- Indications and contraindications for RPDs require clear definition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the indications for prescribing removable partial dentures.
- To synthesize current evidence and expert opinion on RPD use.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
- A Delphi-like process involving seven experienced educators was employed.
- Discussions focused on indications and contraindications for RPDs over a 2.5-day workshop.
Main Results:
- Evidence for RPD indications and contraindications is not clearly defined in the literature.
- A trend exists towards shortened dental arch concepts or implant-supported restorations over conventional RPDs.
- Factors influencing RPD prescription include the presence of sound abutment teeth and economic considerations.
Conclusions:
- Evidence-based guidelines for prescribing RPDs are still lacking.
- Key principles for clinical decision-making regarding RPDs have been identified.