Retrospective audit of patients with advanced toothwear restored with removable partial dentures.

The dental records of 50 patients with advanced tooth wear restored with removable prostheses were examined. Retrospective data were collected with regard to source of referral, presenting complaint, aetiological factors, clinical features, dentures provided, details of failures and maintenance. The maximum follow up period was three years. The ratio of male to female patients was 4:1 and the age range 31-75 years. Failures were recorded in 38% of patients with provisional and 64% with definitive dentures. The most common failure was fracture or wear of the incisal or occlusal surfaces. The majority of failures were addressed by adjustment of the dentures and the audit confirmed the need for regular maintenance.