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PURPOSE: This retrospective clinical study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of clasp-retained, metal-framework removable partial dentures (RPDs) and their clasped teeth, the influencing factors on survival, and the type and number of repairs needed during the observation period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study is based on a convenience sample of 52 patients who received 65 RPDs with a total of 207 clasped teeth. The mean observation period was 3.11 ± 0.29 years (maximum: 10 years). Patient gender, prosthesis location (maxilla/mandible), number and distribution (Kennedy class) of abutment teeth, and impact of a continuous follow-up program on a favorable outcome probability were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method (P < .05) in combination with Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: During the observation period, 9.2% of the RPDs ceased to function and 5.8% of the abutment teeth were extracted. Mean RPD survival time was 8.07 ± 0.66 years, with a positive outcome probability of 90% after 5 years. Prosthesis location was the only parameter that significantly (P < .05) impacted this probability. CONCLUSION: Overall, the high survival probability and low extraction rate of the abutment teeth reported in this study indicate that RPDs designed according to hygienic pronciples are clinically successful.
Rehmann et al. (Fri,) studied this question.