Survival rate of removable partial dentures with complete arch reconstruction using double crowns: a retrospective study

Objectives The purpose of this study was to clinically investigate double-crown-retained removable partial dentures (DRPDs) and abutment teeth at dental clinics. Materials and methods Only cases with complete arch reconstruction were included. Endpoints were replacement of denture and loss of abutment tooth. A total of 213 dentures with 1030 abutment teeth were analyzed. Results During the observation period, 32 dentures were replaced. The mean observation period was 12.7 (+/- 6.6) years (range 3 to 36). By the Kaplan-Meier method, survival rate at 10 years was 94.7% and at 20 years was 70.8%. Estimated mean survival period was 27.1 years. Cox regression analysis showed that risk factor for replacement was good occlusion as indicated by Eichner index groups A to B3 (HR 2.81). The main reason for denture replacement was loss of abutment teeth. Survival rate of abutment teeth at 10 years was 83.8% and at 20 years was 66.3%. The analysis revealed six risk factors: male gender (HR 1.76), age range 65-89 years (HR 1.51), posterior teeth (HR 1.60), higher number of present teeth in opposite jaw (HR 1.69), lower number of abutment teeth (HR 1.76), and short inner crown (HR 2.28). Conclusion DRPDs last over 20 years, making them a durable investment in one's oral health; their survival is influenced by loss of abutment teeth.