Postinsertion adjustment appointments and their association with cast removable partial denture survival

Area of Science:

• Dental Prosthodontics
• Biomaterials Science
• Clinical Dentistry

Background:

• Successful outcomes of removable partial dentures (RPDs) depend on proper fabrication and adjustments.
• Postinsertion follow-up appointments are crucial for assessing RPD comfort, function, and esthetics.
• Limited data exists on the frequency and types of adjustments needed for RPDs after insertion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the number and types of adjustments required after RPD insertion.
• To investigate the association between adjustments, patient demographics, RPD type, and denture survival.
• To analyze factors influencing RPD success in a university-based population.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective clinical study of 257 patients with 308 RPDs.
• Data collected from 2013-2014 with a 5-year follow-up period.
• Outcome measures included postinsertion appointments, adjustment types, and denture survival rates.

Main Results:

• A 5-year RPD survival rate of 91.6% was estimated.
• Most patients (68.9%) had 1-3 postinsertion appointments; 78.6% required no major adjustments.
• Mandibular RPDs needed more minor adjustments, while maxillary RPDs required more major adjustments. Remade dentures and patient musculoskeletal disorders were associated with more adjustments.

Conclusions:

• The 5-year survival rate for RPDs is high at 91.6%.
• 1-3 postinsertion appointments are typical, with most patients not needing major adjustments.
• Adjustment needs differ between maxillary and mandibular RPDs, and are influenced by prior denture history and patient health.