A removable partial denture (RPD), as the name implies, is a prosthodontic restoration that supplies teeth and associated structures to a partially toothless mouth and that can be removed and inserted by the patient.  In general, an RPD is made from a combination of several common dental materials.  The basic substructure or framework of an RPD is fabricated from one of several commercially available dental alloys but most commonly chromium-cobalt.  RPD’s  gain all or part of their support from the remaining natural teeth (or dental implants).  If all of the support is from teeth it is classified as a tooth-borne (supported) RPD.  Others derive their support from both the teeth and the residual ridge tissues and are termed tooth-tissue-borne (supported) RPD‘s (or distal extension or  distal saddle).  Between these two extremes of support are a range of RPD‘s that derive a varying amount of support from both the natural teeth and associated residual ridges.

Partially Toothless

The loss of teeth most typically is the result of dental caries and/or periodontal disease.  This situation my be worsened by lifestyle or parafuntional habits.

Normal chewing applies intermittent and fleeting pressure on the teeth.  Parafunction (buxism, clenching and grinding), however, is frequently horizontal in direction and usually excessively prolonged.  In Parafunction there is an abnormal increase in the magnitude, frequency and duration of the biting force.  The bruxing movement is often concentrated close to the tips of the occluding teeth.  This creates a concentration of forces that tends to abnormally displace the tooth in its socket.  This force is of a greater magnitude than the force of normal chewing.

The examination, diagnosis, treatment planning and clinical procedures related to patients requiring treatment with removable partial dentures will be discussed in this series of articles.

Dental plaque control and periodontal health are tow of the most important factors in the long-term success of a removable partial denture.  The ultimate objective of successfully treating a patient with a removable partial denture is to prevent further destruction of the

Tooth Loss remaining oral structures and tissues.

The reasons for tooth loss among large segments of the population are many and varied but can be classified conveniently into two broad categories: 1) The public’s attitude toward oral health and 2) The availability of treatment and reasonableness of dental costs for the preservation of the patient’s  natural teeth.  Even in the younger adult age groups who have benefited from fluoridation  increased dental health advertising and wide availability of dental care facilities, still less than 50% seek preventive treatment.  It is not surprising for the dentist to find that many people prefer to have a painful back tooth extracted rather than restored.

In Palm Harbor Florida, precision partials are a very nice blending of two types of prosthetic dentistry, fixed and removable.  When replacing missing teeth in this fashion, the usual unsightly clasps of a traditional partial are not present.  In this series of pictures the precision partial is seen connected to the fixed crown and bridgework.

Precision Partial & Fixed Bridge

I try to create blogs to help people understand dentistry.  I have been a dentist in Palm Harbor, Florida for over 24 years.  There are certain terms that a dental office uses routinely, but may not be understood by the average patient.  Firstly, replacement of missing teeth fall into two broad categories, Fixed and Removable.  A precision partial blends both of these types.

A traditional cast frame removable partial denture shows clasps, those unsightly things one may have noticed when someone with a traditional partial denture smiles.  With a precision partial, the need for the clasps can be replaced by the “precision attachments” which reside in the fixed bridgework and the corresponding “partners” which reside in the removable partial.