Removable complete dentures. Part 1: complications

The number of prosthetic restorations of elderly individuals is growing. Increasing life expectancy and this population's higher frequency of tooth loss are leading to a greater demand for prosthodontic treatment. Complete dentures are a widely employed treatment option for edentulism because of they are relatively inexpensive and simple. However, a lack of maintenance and understanding lead to adverse effects on oral health and denture-bearing areas. Given the high prevalence of removable complete denture use, understanding the biological and technical complications associated with these prosthetics is crucial. This review comprehensively explores the spectrum of complications including denture biofilm formation, denture stomatitis, pneumonia and oral mucosal lesions as well as technical issues such as denture base fractures and retention loss. Factors contributing to these complications, such as poor denture hygiene, prolonged wear, systemic disease and denture material quality, are also discussed. The findings underscore the importance of effective denture care protocols, regular dental visits and patient education to enhance denture longevity and mitigate associated health risks in edentulous patients. This article, the first in a two-part series, focuses on complications of removable complete dentures while Part 2 will address maintenance. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Dental professionals’ understanding of complications associated with removable complete denture is of clinical value.