Caries and periodontal status in patients fitted with removable partial dentures

A 6-year follow-up study was carried out on 28 patients fitted with removable partial dentures. Prior to the prosthetic treatment all patients were given oral hygiene instruction and periodontal therapy where indicated. The removable partial dentures were carefully planned and designed. During the follow-up period the patients were examined at yearly intervals when remotivation, scalings, conservation and prosthetic adjustments were carried out as required. Patient cooperation was excellent and no significant deterioration of the periodontal status of the remaining teeth could be found. In addition the number of newly registered carious lesions was low. A certain degree of deterioration of occlusion, articulation, stability and clasp retention of the dentures fitted did occur, however.