Clinical performance and complications of removable partial dentures

Material and Methods: 55 patients were randomly assigned to group 1 receiving RPDs retained by CCDCs (n=27) or group 2 treated with RPDs retained by GTDCs (n=28). A total of 100 CCDCs and 99 GTDCs were incorporated. RPDs were retained on a mean number of 3.62 abutment teeth (minimum: 2, maximum: 6). 32 RPDs were seated in the maxilla and 23 in the mandible. All patients were treated either by dental students (n=30) or by resident dentists (n=25). After one year, patient's satisfaction with aesthetic performance and retention was assessed on a 10-point-scale. Based on clinical examination the risk of complications was assessed for both types of RPDs.

Results: After 1 year, 39 patients could be re-evaluated. Most frequent complications were delaminations of veneers (n=10; CCDC: 5; GTDC: 5). Four primary crowns had to be recemented (CCDC: 3, GTDC: 1). Two abutment teeth underwent root canal treatment. Tooth loss or fractures of abutment teeth were not observed within the first year. The mean rating of patient's satisfaction with aesthetic performance was 9.44; the mean rating for retention was 9.15 on a 10-point-scale.

Conclusion: Both types of double crown retained RPDs are characterized by excellent ratings of patient's satisfaction concerning aesthetic and functional performance. Within the first year no difference in the complication rate between CCDC and GTDC could be found.