Influence of removable partial dentures on oral hygiene and abutment teeth of denture wearers

Abstract

Background: Integrity of the dental arches, their function and esthetics are restored by means of removable, fixed and implant supported dentures. Removable partial dentures are common treatment option popular for restoring partially edentulous ridges. Aim: We aimed to study the influence of wearing RPDs on oral hygiene and hard tissues and periodontium of denture abutment teeth. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 patients with RPDs wearing existing dentures more than 6 months were participated in this study. Results: Among 306 denture abutment teeth 222 (75%) had tooth mobility, 112 (36.6%) had a carious lesion. All patients wearing acrylic and flexible RPDs had signs of gingival tissue inflammation. Almost a half of participants cleaned dentures mechanically twice a day with dentifrice and tooth brush. Conclusion: Maintaining oral hygiene regimens with regular follow up visits can prevent detrimental effects of denture wearing on denture abutment teeth.