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Questions and Answers

What is the main purpose of a Removable Partial Denture (RPD)?

To replace all teeth with a fixed bridge

To straighten misaligned teeth

To enhance the color of the teeth

To preserve the remaining teeth and tissues (correct)

An edentulous patient is one who has some natural teeth remaining.

False

What does 'prosthodontics' refer to?

The branch of dental art and science that pertains to the replacement of missing teeth and oral tissues.

A _____ is an edentulous area with an abutment tooth on one side only.

Free End Edentulous Area Signup and view all the answers

What is a common indication for using a Removable Partial Denture?

One or more natural teeth missing Signup and view all the answers

Match the types of patients with their respective descriptions:

Dentulous Patients = Patients having a complete set of natural teeth Edentulous Patients = Patients having all their teeth missing Partially Edentulous Patients = Patients having one or more but not their entire natural teeth missing Signup and view all the answers

Overeruption refers to the phenomenon where remaining teeth drift and rotate.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'bounded edentulous area'?

An edentulous area with an abutment tooth on each end. Signup and view all the answers

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

Poor oral hygiene Signup and view all the answers

Removable partial dentures are typically more expensive than fixed restorations.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary component of removable partial dentures that provides support?

Denture bases Signup and view all the answers

Excessive loss of residual bone may necessitate the use of a ______ or the need to restore lost tissues.

labial flange Signup and view all the answers

Match the following components of removable partial dentures with their functions:

Rests = Provide support Direct retainers = Provide retention Bracing = Prevent movement Indirect retainers = Assist in retention Signup and view all the answers

Which age group is often considered for removable partial dentures due to the presence of pulp horns?

Under 17 years Signup and view all the answers

A single standing abutment is considered an indication for removable partial dentures.

False Signup and view all the answers

List one advantage of removable partial dentures over fixed partial dentures.

They can be easily repaired. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Terminology

Prosthetics: Replacing absent body parts
Prosthesis: Artificial replacement of an absent body part
Prosthodontics: Replacing missing teeth and oral tissues.
Removable Partial Denture (RPD): A removable dental prosthesis replacing one or more missing teeth.
Free End Edentulous Area: An edentulous area with an abutment tooth on one side only.
Bounded Edentulous Area: An edentulous area with an abutment tooth on each end.
Abutment: A tooth, portion of a tooth, or dental implant that supports and retains a prosthesis.

Purpose of RPDs

Preservation of remaining teeth and tissues:
- Prevents drifting and rotation of teeth
- Prevents continuous eruption of unopposed teeth
- Prevents overclosure and protrusion of the mandible
- Prevents trauma to the oral mucosa
- Prevents facial or temporomandibular joint pain
Improve masticatory function: RPDs help restore chewing ability
Improve esthetics: Enhance the appearance of missing teeth
Restoration of speech: RPDs assist in proper articulation
Psychological benefits: Improve confidence and self-esteem

Indications for RPDs

No abutment tooth posterior to edentulous space (free end edentulous area):
Long edentulous bounded span too extensive for fixed restorations:
Periodontally weak teeth not strong enough for fixed partial dentures:
Excessive loss of residual bone: Requiring labial flange or restoration of lost tissues
After recent extraction:
Need for cross-arch stabilization:
Young age (less than 17 years): When pulp horns are higher
Economic considerations and patient preference:

Contraindications of RPDs

Tooth-bounded short span:
Single standing abutment:
Poor abutments due to mobility and morphology:
Chronically poor oral hygiene and rampant caries:

Advantages of Removable over Fixed Partial Dentures

Wide range of indications:
No loss of natural tooth substance:
Cheaper than fixed restorations:
Easier to add to or repair:
Simplified oral hygiene:

Components of RPDs

Denture bases and replacement teeth: Form the foundation and artificial teeth
Rests: Provide support by contacting the abutment tooth surface
Direct retainers (clasps): Hold the denture onto the tooth
Indirect retainers: Prevent tipping or lifting of the denture
Major connector: Connects the right and left sides of the RPD
Minor connector: Connect components of the RPD
Stress breaker: Reduce stress on abutment teeth

RPD Components and Functions

Support: Provided by rests and denture bases
Retention: Provided by direct retainers (clasps)
Bracing: Provided by the major connector and clasps
Reciprocation: Provided by the opposite side of the denture base and major connector
Indirect Retention: Provided by indirect retainers