Influence of removable partial denture on periodontal indices and microbiological status

Thirty patients (19 men and 11 women) were provided with a removable partial denture (RPD) and assigned randomly to two groups: 15 patients were called back twice a year for plaque control, reinforcement of instructions, denture hygiene control and professional prophylaxis; the other 15 were not called back. The 30 patients were examined after 2-3 weeks following the end of the prosthetic treatment, after 1 and 2 years. At each examination, the following parameters were recorded [gingival inflammation, plaque index (PI 1), tooth mobility, attachment level, pocket depth] and a bacteriological examination of subgingival plaque was carried out. Few differences appeared between the two groups; the values observed show a relatively low level of hygiene and but little motivation with regard to prophylaxis techniques.