Lec: 1 Prosthodontic ‫حكمت جميل‬.

‫د‬
Removable partial prosthodontics

A. Definitions
1. Partial denture: A prosthesis that replaces one or more, but not all of the
natural teeth and supporting structures. It is supported by the teeth and/or the
mucosa. It may be fixed(i.e. a bridge) or removable.

Partial edentulism

2. Removable partial denture (RPD): A partial denture that can be removed

and replaced in the mouth by the patient. A partial denture being constructed
from cobalt chromium alloy and considered to be as a permanent treatment.

Removable Partial Denture (RPD)co-cr

3. Interim denture (provisional; temporary): A denture used for a short

interval of time to provide:
a. esthetics, mastication, occlusal support and convenience.
b. conditioning of the patient to accept the final prosthesis.
A partial denture being constructed from poly methyl methacrylate and
considered to be as a temorary treatment.

Acrylic removable partial denture

4. Retention: Resistance to removal from the tissues or teeth.

5. Stability: Resistance to movement in a horizontal direction (anterior-

posteriorly or medio-laterally.

6. Support: Resistance to movement towards the tissues or teeth.

7. Abutment: A natural tooth that supports a partial denture.

8. Retainer: A component of a partial denture that provides both retention and

stability for the partial denture.

B. Removable partial denture treatment Objectives.

the main objectives of removable partial denture treatment are:
1. preserve remaining teeth and supporting structures.
2. restore esthetics and phonetics.
3. restore and/or improve mastication.
4. restore health, comfort and quality of life.

Indications for RPD's

1. lengthy edentulous span (too long for a fixed prosthesis).
2. no posterior abutment for a fixed prosthesis.
3. excessive alveolar bone loss (esthetic problem).
4. poor prognosis for complete dentures due to residual ridge morphology.
5. reduced periodontal support of remaining teeth (won't support a fixed
prosthesis).
6. cross-arch stabilization of teeth.
7. need for immediate replacement of extracted teeth.
8. cost/patient desire considerations.

Alternatives to RPD's Treatment Options

1. No Treatment (Shortened Dental Arch)
- Most patients can function with a shortened dental arch (SDA)
- RPD doesn’t usually improve function if minimal occlusal units present.

2. Fixed partial denture – requires abutments at opposite ends of edentulous

space, more expensive than RPD, must grind down abutments, flexes and
can fail if too long.
3. Implant supported prosthesis – most costly, closest replacement to
natural dentition.

4. Complete denture: if few teeth left, with poor prognosis