Introduction to

Removable Partial
Dentures (RPDs)
Prosthodontics
Definitions
Treatment Options for Partially
Edentulous
Treatment Sequence for RPDs
RPD Classification
Clinical Anatomy Tour

Prosthodontics

Restorationorreplacement
ofmissingteeth&contiguoustissues

Fixed
Crowns,Onlays
FixedPartialDentures
(Bridges)

Removable
CompleteDentures
RemovablePartial
Dentures
Conventional
Attachment

Implants

Maxillofacial
CongenitalConditions
Cleftpalate
AcquiredConditions
Injuries
Cancer
Facial&Intraoral
Prostheses

Treatment Objectives
Oral Health
Preserve remaining teeth & tissues
Restore/improve:
Mastication
Esthetics & Phonetics
Health & comfort
Quality of Life

Treatment Options
Partial Edentulism

No Replacement

Implant crowns/FPD

Fixed Partial Denture (FPD)

Removable Partial Denture
(RPD)
Extractions & Complete
Denture

Treatment Option: No Replacement

Shortened Dental Arch (SDA)

Patients can function

with as few as 20
occluding teeth

No significant
difference in

chewing
discomfort
JCDA Sept 07, 73:5934

No Replacement
Shortened Dental Arch
(SDA)
Require Anterior teeth + 4-6
occlusal units

Opposing PMs = 1 occlusal

unit

Opposing Ms = 2 occlusal
units

Symmetric loss need 4 units

Assymetric loss need 6 units

Treatment
Options Partial
Prosthesis replacing
Dentures
one or more, but not
all teeth

Supported by teeth
(abutments) and/or
mucosa

May be fixed or
removable

Fixed Partial Denture (FPD)

Removable Partial Denture (RPD)

Treatment Option: FPD

Patients prefer to RPD

Porcelain Metal
Cemented
Need tooth (abutment) at
either end

Treatment Option:
FPD

Must prepare (grind down

abutments)

If too long, flexes, loosens or

breaks

More expensive
If too long, flexes, loosens or
breaks

Treatment Option: RPD

Removed & replaced

by patient

Less expensive
Wont necessarily
improve function if
patient has 4
occlusal units

Indications for
RPD's
Edentulous area too
long for fixed
prosthesis
Longer than 4 units
is more complex

Indications for RPD's

No posterior
abutment for a
fixed prosthesis

Indications for RPD's

Excessive alveolar
bone loss (esthetic
problem)

Indications for RPD's

Poor prognosis for
complete dentures due
to residual ridge
morphology

Indications
for RPD's
Reduced periodontal
support of remaining
teeth

Won't support a fixed

prosthesis)

Other Indications for

RPD's

Need for immediate replacement of

extracted teeth

Cost/patient desire considerations

Cross-arch stabilization of teeth
needed

Treatment Option: Complete

Dentures

Remaining teeth
are hopeless

Other options are

too
complex/expensiv
e

Treatment
Option: Implant
Prostheses

Implant Crowns
Implant Bridges
Implant
Dentures

Partially Edentulous Treatment

Options?

Types of
RPDs

Interim

Definitive (permanent?)

Interim Denture
(Provisional; Temporary)
Used for short time to provide:

Esthetics
Mastication
Occlusal support

Interim Denture

Partial denture
made while
crowns are being
fabricated for a
definitive RPD)

Transitional Denture
Prosthesis to which teeth

will be added
Replaced after postextraction tissue changes
Made with intention of
subsequently altering it

Definitions
Retention: Resistance to removal from
the tissues or teeth

Stability: Resistance to movement in a

horizontal direction (anteriorposteriorly or medio-laterally

Support: Resistance to movement

towards the tissues or teet

Definitions
Abutment: A tooth that

supports a partial denture.

Retainer: A component of

a partial denture that

provides both retention
and support for the partial
denture

Components of an RPD
Major Connector

Connects parts together

Principal functions:

Unification
Rigidity

Components of a RPD
Minor Connector
Connects other
components to the
major connector
Principle functions:
Unification
Rigidity

Components of an RPD
Direct Retainer

Provides retention
against dislodging
forces.

Components of an
RPD
Direct Retainer

'Clasp' or 'clasp unit'

composed of:
Rest
Retentive arm
Reciprocal arm
Minor connector

Components of an RPD
Denture Base

Covers the residual

ridges

Supports the denture

teeth

Treatment Sequence for

RPDs

PLAN RPD BEFORE ANY OTHER TREATMENT

BEGINS

Dx & Trt Plan, mounted casts

Draw design on surveyed cast, list abutment
modifications

Instructor Approval of design prior to any treatment,

other than emergencies

Partially Edentulous Arch

Classification
May be over 65,000
possible combinations
of teeth and edentulous
spaces.
Facilitates
communication
between dentists

Kennedy Classification
Class I
Bilateral edentulous areas
located posterior to all
remaining teeth

Kennedy Classification
Class II
Unilateral edentulous area
located posterior to all
remaining teeth

Kennedy Classification
Class III
Unilateral edentulous area
bounded by anterior &
posterior natural teeth

Kennedy Classification
Class IV
Single, but bilateral
(crossing the midline)
edentulous area located
anterior to remaining
teeth

Applegate's Rules for the

Kennedy Classification
Rule 1:
Classification should follow rather
than precede extraction

Applegate's Rules for the

Kennedy Classification
Rule 2:
If 3rd molar is missing &
not to be replaced, it is not
considered in the classification

Applegate's Rules for the

Kennedy Classification
Rule 3:
If the 3rd molar is present and
to be used as an abutment, it is
considered in the classification

Applegate's Rules for the

Kennedy Classification
Rule 4:
If the second molar is
missing and not to be
replaced, it is not considered
in the classification

Applegate's Rules for the

Kennedy Classification
Rule 5:
The most posterior edentulous
area determines the
classification

Applegate's Rules for the

Kennedy Classification
Rule 6:
Edentulous areas other than
those determining
classification are called
modification spaces

Applegate's Rules for the

Kennedy Classification
Rule 7:
The extent of the modification is not
considered, only the number

Applegate's Rules for the

Kennedy Classification
Rule 8:
There is no modification space in Class
IV

Classify the
Following Arches