Caries, periodontal and prosthetic findings in patients with removable partial dentures: a ten-year longitudinal study.

A 10-year longitudinal study was carried out on 27 patients treated with RPDs. Before the prosthetic treatment all patients were given oral hygiene motivation and instruction as well as periodontal therapy where indicated. The aim was a high level of cooperation. The RPDs, most of which were lower bilateral distal-extension dentures, were carefully planned and designed. During the follow-up period the patients were examined at yearly intervals, at which time remotivation and reinstruction regarding oral hygiene was given, and scaling, operative restorations, and prosthetic and other treatment procedures were preformed as required. Patient cooperation was excellent, and no significant deterioration of the periodontal status of the remaining teeth was found. In addition, there was a low increase in the frequency of decayed and filled tooth surfaces during the decade. The dentures showed damage and several changes during the follow-up period, conditions that necessitated various corrective prosthetic procedures.