Gingival recession related to removable partial dentures in older patients.

One hundred forty-six patients, living in the community and attending a general dental practice, were examined on two occasions separated by 3 years to determine relationships among removable partial dentures, their design, and gingival recession. This study confirmed the relationship between the presence of a partial denture and an increase of gingival recession, but was unable to demonstrate any predictable relationship to the lack of tooth support, the material used for the dentures, or covering the gingival margins with lingual plates. These design factors may be less important than the maintenance of good oral hygiene for the prevention of periodontal disease in patients wearing removable partial dentures.