{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Retrospective clinical study of 842 clasp-retained removable partial dentures with a metal framework: survival, maintenance needs, and biologic findings.
{Author}: Brandt S;Winter A;Lauer HC;Romanos GE;
{Journal}: Quintessence Int
{Volume}: 0
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: 2024 Jul 10
{Factor}: 2.175
{DOI}: 10.3290/j.qi.b5566187
{Abstract}: <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>To evaluate clasp-retained removable partial dentures (C-RPDs) with a metal framework for survival, maintenance requirements, and biological implications.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>C-RPDs were retrospectively analyzed based on patient records. Treatment failure was defined as fracture of a framework component (metal base or connector) or loss of an abutment tooth. Other outcome variables included factors that might conceivably impact C-RPD survival (maxilla vs. mandible, Kennedy classes, opposing dentitions, treatment by students vs. certified dentists), mobility and caries of abutment teeth (in relation to clasp designs), and maintenance requirements (relining, clasp or resin fractures). Differences were evaluated by appropriate statistical tests at the P ≤ .05 level.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>A total of 612 patients (339 men, 273 women) 60.0 ± 11.5 years old at delivery were included, covering 842 C-RPDs and a mean observation period of 42.1 ± 33.2 months. Kaplan-Meier C-RPD survival was 76.2% after 5 years and 49.5% after 10 years. Biological complications (i.e. loss of abutment teeth) accounted for the vast majority (95.6%) of C-RPDs failures, and Kaplan-Meier C-RPD survival was significantly better in the mandible (P &#61; .015). Some clasp designs contributed significantly to caries and removal of abutment teeth (both P < .05). No other significant differences were noted.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Tooth loss both emerges as the main cause of C-RPDs failure and might be amenable to careful selection of clasp designs. Overall, better C-RPD survival should be expected in the mandible. A non-contributory role of Kennedy classes and opposing dentitions is tentatively suggested based on numerically heterogeneous subgroups.