RP 101

Removable Prosthodontics

• In this specialty of dentistry, missing teeth are replaced with removable prostheses.
• Removable partial denture
  • Replaces one or more teeth in the same arch 
• Removable full denture
  • Replaces all of the teeth in one arch 

The removable partial denture is also known as a partial.

The removable full denture is also know as a denture; older patients may refer to it as a plate.

Can a general dentist perform procedures related to removable prosthetics?

Partial Denture

 Which teeth have been replaced in the top photograph?

 Which teeth have been replaced in the bottom photograph?

Full dentures.
(Courtesy of Ivoclar Williams, Amherst, N.Y.)

Which teeth are not placed in a full denture?

 Why not?

Extraoral Factors Influencing
the Choice of a Removable Prosthesis 

• Physical health
• Mental health
• Motivation
• Age
• Dietary habits
• Socioeconomic factors
• Occupation

What factors of physical health may make the patient a poor candidate for a removable prosthesis? (Diabetes, poor overall health.) 

 Why is the patient’s mental health an important consideration for the dentist?

Why would a patient’s dietary habits affect his or her candidacy for a removable prosthesis?  What types of jobs would cause the patient to be especially anxious about a changed physical appearance? (Those that involve meeting the public.)

Intraoral Factors Influencing
the Choice of a Removable Prosthesis 

• Musculature
• Flow of saliva
• Residual alveolar ridge 
• Oral mucosa
• Oral habits
• Tori 

Mucosa covering the residual ridge can be irritated by prosthesis. 

Tori are abnormal growths of bone that can affect a patient’s ability to wear a prosthesis. 

What oral habits must be considered in the planning of removable prosthodontic treatment? (Jaw-clenching, tooth-grinding, mouth-breathing.)

How do the facial muscles contribute to the ability to use a prosthesis? What are the characteristics of an alveolar ridge that will support a prosthesis? (High and evenly contoured.)

Indications for a
Removable Partial Denture 

• Replacement for several teeth in the same quadrant or same arch
• Temporary replacement for missing teeth in a child 
• Replacement of missing teeth for a patient who does not want a fixed bridge or implants 
• For the patient who finds it easier to maintain good oral hygiene 
• To serve as a splint to support periodontally involved teeth.

Are children good candidates for removable prostheses?

 Why might a child benefit from a removable prosthesis?

Contraindications to the Use of a
Removable Partial Denture  

• Lack of suitable teeth in the arch to support, stabilize, and retain the removable prosthesis
• Rampant caries or severe periodontal conditions that threaten the remaining teeth in the arch
• A lack of patient acceptance for aesthetic reasons
• Chronic poor oral hygiene