Oral health status of patients 5-6 years after placement of cobalt-chromium removable partial dentures

This study is a clinical survey of cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) removable partia l denture (RPD) wearers that aimed to investigate the effects of denture we aring on oral tissues. A random sample of patients who had received their d entures 5-6 years previously from a dental teaching hospital in Hong Kong w as selected. Those who had been constantly wearing the RPDs were examined b y one calibrated examiner under an optimal clinical setting. The patients' dental, periodontal and mucosal status were assessed. A total of 87 patient s were examined. Mucosal lesions under the Co-Cr RPDs were uncommon in this study sample. However, there was a high prevalence of plaque, gingivitis a nd gingival recession, especially in dento-gingival surfaces in close proxi mity (within 3 mm) to the dentures. Thus, there is a special need for regul ar oral hygiene reinforcement, scaling and prophylaxis among RPD wearers. D espite a low caries incidence in the study sample, root caries were found t o be associated with contact with the RPDs (P<0.05) but coronal caries were not. It is recommended that coverage of the exposed root surfaces by RPD c omponents should be avoided. Also, topical fluorides should be regularly ap plied onto exposed root surfaces as a preventive measure.