The effect of Polymethyl methacrylate Removable Partial Denture on the Periodontium of patients attending clinics in Khartoum state. (May-Oct 2005

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of acrylic removable partial dentures on the periodontal tissues of patients wearing this type of prosthesis. Thirteen acrylic RPD wearers were examined and periodontal parameters such as plaque gingival indices, tooth mobility and attachment loss were recorded. The mean plaque index for all patients was (1.398 SD 0.71), the mean plaque index for the abutment teeth was (1.73 SD 0.62), and the mean plaque index for teeth in contact with the denture was (1.265 SD 0.75). Significant differences were found between plaque index and denture age, the way of cleaning the denture, food accumulation under the denture, frequency of brushing and the number of teeth in contact with the denture (P<0.05). There were significant differences between plaque index of the abutment teeth and food accumulation under the denture, and number of teeth in contact with the denture (P<0.05). While for the gingival index mean for all patients was (1.273 SD 0.75), the mean gingival index for the abutment teeth was (1.628 SD 0.72), and the mean gingival index for teeth in contact with the denture was (1.222 SD 0.91). Significant differences were found between the gingival index of the abutment teeth and number of clasps in the denture and number of teeth in contact with the denture (P<0.05). There were significant differences between mobility of the abutment teeth and number of abutments and clasp type (P<0.05). Number of teeth in contact with the acrylic RPD and mobility of those teeth were found to be significant (P<0.05). There were no significant differences between the attachment loss and gender, level of education, or times per day the patient brushed his/her teeth. Significant relations were found between attachment loss of the abutment teeth and denture age, food accumulation under the denture, the way patients clean their dentures, the mode of contact of dentures with teeth (P<0.05), as well as stain and calculus on denture (P<0.01). Number of clasps in the acrylic RPD was found to be in significant in relation to attachment loss of teeth in contact with the denture. The replacement of missing natural teeth by acrylic removable partial denture in persons with poor oral hygiene should be avoided, unless there are other extenuating circumstances for wearing prosthesis. Motivation and good RPD design are the corner stones of restoration success.