Treatment outcomes with removable partial dentures: a retrospective analysis.

Area of Science:

• Dental prosthetics
• Removable prosthodontics
• Clinical outcomes research

Background:

• Clasp-retained removable partial dentures (RPDs) are common prosthetic solutions.
• Evaluating the long-term performance and survival of RPDs and their abutment teeth is crucial for clinical practice.
• Understanding factors influencing RPD success can optimize treatment planning and patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the long-term clinical outcomes of metal-framework, clasp-retained removable partial dentures (RPDs).
• To identify factors affecting the survival of RPDs and their supporting abutment teeth.
• To document the frequency and types of repairs required for RPDs over time.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective clinical study of 65 RPDs in 52 patients with a mean follow-up of 3.11 years (up to 10 years).
• Analysis included patient demographics, prosthesis location (maxilla/mandible), abutment tooth characteristics (Kennedy class), and follow-up program impact.
• Statistical analysis employed Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression methods to determine survival probabilities (P < .05).

Main Results:

• 9.2% of RPDs failed, and 5.8% of abutment teeth were extracted during the study period.
• Mean RPD survival time was 8.07 years, with a 5-year positive outcome probability of 90%.
• Prosthesis location (maxilla vs. mandible) was the only statistically significant factor influencing RPD survival probability (P < .05).

Conclusions:

• Hygienically designed, clasp-retained removable partial dentures demonstrate high clinical success rates.
• The low abutment tooth extraction rate supports the long-term viability of RPDs.
• RPDs can be considered a successful prosthetic option when fabricated and maintained according to established principles.