Removable Partial Dentures Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is one of the primary objectives of removable partial dentures (RPDs)?

Enhancement of dental aesthetics (correct)

Prevention of gum disease

Avoidance of dental extractions

Promotion of tooth whitening

Which patient condition is a contraindication for the use of a removable partial denture?

Excellent oral hygiene

High caries susceptibility (correct)

Young age under 17

Complete understanding of dental procedures

How can removable partial dentures help prevent migration of teeth?

By promoting regular dental visits

By applying fluoride treatments

By replacing lost teeth (correct)

By conducting root canal therapy

What might be a consequence of improperly designed partial dentures?

Stagnation of food leading to tooth decay Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential risk when the remaining teeth have a doubtful prognosis?

Use of fixed restorations may be preferable Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT listed as an objective of removable partial dentures?

Restore impaired hearing Signup and view all the answers

What impact can the loss of some teeth have on mandibular closure?

Change in the closure pattern Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the functions that removable partial dentures can support?

Muscle support for the paraoral region Signup and view all the answers

What defines a partially edentulous patient?

A patient with one or more teeth missing but not all Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for an artificial replacement for a missing part of the human body?

Prosthesis Signup and view all the answers

What is classified as a free end edentulous area?

An area with one abutment tooth only on one side Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an indication for removable partial dentures?

Concerning oral hygiene issues Signup and view all the answers

What type of RPD is considered permanent?

Definitive RPD Signup and view all the answers

Which component acts to support and retain a prosthesis?

Abutment Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of bounded edentulous areas?

They have abutment teeth on each end Signup and view all the answers

In which situation would a removable partial denture be indicated due to bone condition?

With excessive loss of residual bone Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamentals of removable partial dentures (RPDs), including their purpose, types, and relevant terminology. It's designed for dental students or professionals looking to enhance their understanding of dental prosthetics and patient classifications.