What is Removable Partial Denture (RPD)? Insertion of Removal partial denture is aimed not only at restoring the loss of tooth structure. It...
What is Removable Partial Denture (RPD)?
Insertion of Removal partial denture is aimed not only at restoring the loss of tooth structure. It moreover promotes good oral health, preservation of remaining oral structures around it, and must provide good aesthetic results too. Here we can see more details about the removable partial denture in this session.
It is the dental prosthesis that replaces the missing tooth which can be removed easily at any time by the patient. It also secures the lost function of the missing tooth as well. There are many components assembled to form the removable partial denture.
Components of Removable Partial Denture (RPD)
- Major Connector
- Minor Connector
- Direct Retainer
- Indirect Retainer
- Rest Seat
- Denture Base
- Artificial Teeth
Major Connector
As the name suggests, it plays a major role to connect the components of one side of the arch to the opposite side of the arch.
Minor Connector
It is the joining link of the removable partial denture which connects the major connectors to the other components of the prosthesis such as indirect retainers, clasps, and rests.
Direct Retainer
It is the component of a removable partial denture used to retain and prevent dislodgment of the denture. It consists of a clasp assembly or precision attachment.
Indirect Retainer
It is also the part of the removable partial denture that helps the direct retainer in preventing displacement of the distal extension denture base.
Rest
It is a rigid extension of a fixed or removable prosthesis that prevent the movement of denture towards the oral mucosa and simultaneously transmit those forces to the teeth.
Denture Base
The part of the denture placed on the foundation tissues to which the artificial teeth are attached.
Artificial teeth
It is made up of porcelain or acrylic material which is embedded in the denture base and replacing the structure and function of the natural tooth.
Considerations before the RPD Treatment,
The dentist should have a thorough knowledge of the biological and mechanical factors of RPD design. The treatment plan should be based on comprehensive examination and diagnosis of the individual patient. The dentist should correlate relevant factors and determine the proper plan of treatment. The removable partial denture should restore form and function without injury to the surrounding oral structures. RPD is a method of treatment only, it is not a solution.
Types of Removable Partial Denture
There are two types of RPD Generally. They are
- Acrylic partial dentures
- Cast partial dentures
Acrylic partial dentures
It is also known as " Acrylic flippers" or "Gum strippers". They are made of acrylic resin with a clasp. They fully depend on the tissues for retention. If it is worn long period it can cause gingival recession.
Cast partial dentures
These are made by the lost wax technique, so it is called "cast partial denture". These are two types,
Clasp retained partial denture
It primarily uses clasps for retention.
Attachment retained partial denture
It primarily uses premade attachments for the retention.
Temporary Removable Partial Denture (RPD)
These are used temporarily where the tissue changes are imminent. They are three types,
- Interim denture
- Transitional denture
- Treatment Denture
Interim denture
These are used temporarily for the stabilization, aesthetic purpose or function for a limited period. After that, it will be replaced by a fixed prosthesis.
Transitional denture
A removable partial denture is used as an interim prosthesis in which artificial teeth are added to replace the lost teeth in the extraction site as well as it prevents the extraction site from injury to hot foods by creating little space above the surface. It is replaced once the post-extraction tissue was healed.
Treatment Denture
As the name tells, it used after the surgery for protecting the surgical site. It is also used in the case of ill-fitting prosthesis causing soft tissue injuries.
Tooth Supported RPD
This type of prosthesis fully depends on the natural teeth for the retention of the denture.
Distal extension RPD
The removable prosthesis is supported and retained by natural teeth which is present only at one end of the denture base segment and in which a portion of the functional load is carried by the residual ridge.
