The influence of removable partial dentures on the periodontal health of abutment and non-abutment teeth

Background and Aims: Removable partial denture (RPDs) is a common therapy for rehabilitation of partialy edentulous patients while RPD causes a lot of periodontal problems. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of RPDs made in Babol dental school on the periodontal health of abutment and non-abutment teeth. Materials and Methods: In this cross sectional study, 70 patients who were candidates for RPDs divided into four groups according to Kennedy classification. The following periodontal parameters were evaluated for abutment and non-abutment teeth, plaque index (PI), calculus index (CI), width of keratinized gingiva, bleeding on probing (BOP), periodontal pocket depth (PPD), tooth mobility (TM) and gingival recession. This clinical measurement was taken immediately before insertion of the RPD, then one, three, and six months later. These parameters were then analyzed using Mann-Whitney, Independent sample t-test, Covariance, Chi-square statistical tests. Results: In Class I; the mean score for the width of keratnized gingiva (P<0.001), PPD (P=0.002), and BOP (P<0.001) of the abutment and non-abutment teeth were significantly different after 1 month. After 3 months there were significant differences with regard to the PI (P=0.01), width of keratnized gingiva (P<0.001), BOP (P<0.001) and PPD (P<0.001). After 6 months, only the PI, CI, and TM parameters were not statistically significant. In Class II; the mean score for width of keratnized gingiva (P<0.001) and PI (P=0.002) after 1 month, width of keratnized gingiva (P<0.001), BOP (P=0.02), PPD (P=0.05) and TM (P=0.03) after 3 months and width of keratnized gingiva (P<0.001), PI (P=0.04), BOP (P<0.001) and TM (P=0.03) after six months were statistically significant. In Class III; only gingival recession did not show any significant difference at 1 and 3 months later. The width of keratnized gingiva (P<0.001), PI (P=0.001), BOP (P<0.001) and TM (P=0.03) after 6 months were statistically significant. Conclusion: This study showed that RPDs affect the periodontal condition of both abutment and non-abutment teeth, which can be reduced by more precise design of the prosthesis, periodontal follow ups and good oral hygiene.