Removable Partial Dentures Overview

Removable Partial Dentures (RPDs)

• RPDs are removable dental prostheses replacing one or more missing teeth and associated oral structures.
• RPDs are used for partially edentulous patients.
• Edentulous patients have missing teeth; dentulous patients have complete sets of natural teeth.
• Abutment teeth support and/or retain RPDs.

Types of RPDs

• Interim (temporary) RPDs: these are temporary.
• Definitive (permanent) RPDs: these are permanent.
• Thermopress dentures: a type of denture.

Terminology

• Prosthesis: an artificial replacement of an absent part of the human body.
• Prosthetics: the art and science of providing artificial replacements for missing body parts.
• Prosthodontics: the branch of dentistry focusing on the design and fabrication of these prostheses, particularly in the mouth.
• Dentulous Patients: patients with complete sets of natural teeth.
• Edentulous Patients: patients missing all their teeth.
• Partially edentulous patients: patients missing some, but not all, of their teeth.
• Complete Denture: a complete replacement for all missing teeth in one arch.
• Removable Partial Denture (RPD): a removable partial replacement for missing teeth, supported by existing teeth.
• Fixed bridge: a fixed replacement with no removable parts.
• Implant: a replacement inserted into the jawbone.

Indications for RPDs

• No abutment tooth posterior to the edentulous space. This is also referred to as a free-end edentulous area.
• Long edentulous span (bounded edentulous span): the area is too extensive for a fixed prosthesis.
• Periodontally weak teeth: not strong enough for a fixed-partial denture.
• Excessive loss of residual bone: restoration of lost tissue might be needed.

Contraindications for RPDs

• When fixed restorations are possible.
• When the prognosis of remaining teeth is uncertain.
• Patients with poor oral hygiene and high caries susceptibility.
• Patients not fully cooperating.

Objectives of RPDs

• Preserving the health of remaining teeth.
• Preventing muscle and TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction.
• Preserving the residual ridge (the gum and bone area).
• Preserving the tongue contour and space.
• Restoring the continuity of the dental arch.
• Improving aesthetics.
• Enhancing psychological comfort.
• Restoring impaired speech.

Hazards of Improperly Designed RPDs

• Food stagnation causing tooth decay.
• Stress on abutment teeth and tissues.
• Possible problems with the TMJ.
• Inflammation and bone resorption in gums.
• Improper occlusion leading to TMJ disorders.

Advantages of RPDs over Fixed Partial Dentures (FPDs)

• Applicable for a greater variety of cases.
• Less expensive.
• Easier to clean.
• Easier to repair.
• No tooth reduction is necessary.

Additional Notes

• Young age (less than 17 years) is a factor for using RPDs.
• Economic reasons may make RPDs a preferable option.
• Aesthetics and patient satisfaction may guide the choice of RPDs.