DOI: 10.11607/ijp.2959, PubMed ID (PMID): 23476909Pages 147-150, Language: EnglishRehmann, Peter / Orbach, Katharina / Ferger, Paul / Wöstmann, BerndPurpose: This retrospective clinical study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of clasp-retained, metal-framework removable partial dentures (RPDs) and their clasped teeth, the influencing factors on survival, and the type and number of repairs needed during the observation period.
Materials and Methods: The study is based on a convenience sample of 52 patients who received 65 RPDs with a total of 207 clasped teeth. The mean observation period was 3.11 ± 0.29 years (maximum: 10 years). Patient gender, prosthesis location (maxilla/mandible), number and distribution (Kennedy class) of abutment teeth, and impact of a continuous follow-up program on a favorable outcome probability were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method (P .05) in combination with Cox regression analysis.
Results: During the observation period, 9.2% of the RPDs ceased to function and 5.8% of the abutment teeth were extracted. Mean RPD survival time was 8.07 ± 0.66 years, with a positive outcome probability of 90% after 5 years. Prosthesis location was the only parameter that significantly (P .05) impacted this probability.
Conclusion: Overall, the high survival probability and low extraction rate of the abutment teeth reported in this study indicate that RPDs designed according to hygienic pronciples are clinically successful.