The influence of impression techniques of distal extension removable partial dentures on the periodontium of the abutment teeth

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Background: the purpose of this study was to compare the periodontal status in patients receiving partial dentures
constructed from conventional and altered cast impression techniques.
Materials and Methods: twenty patients receiving mandibular bilateral distal extension removable partial dentures
were assigned for treatment, the patients divided into ten patients receiving partial dentures constructed from
conventional impression technique and other ten patients receiving partial dentures constructed from an altered
cast impression technique. The periodontium of the last abutments had been evaluated using gingival bleeding
index and probing pocket depth, the first score have been made at time of insertion, the second score made after
3days of insertion, the third score after 10days of insertion, the fourth score after 30 days of insertion, the fifth score
after 45 days of insertion and the last score was made after 60 days of insertion. Student t-test had been made to
evaluate the periodontal conditions at different time intervals.
Results: the results revealed that there would be a decrease in both periodontal indexes scores with time.
Conclusion: the use of altered cast impression technique for distally extended removable partial dentures will result in
a less stress concentration on the abutment teeth resulting in a proper periodontal health and reducing damage of
periodontal tissues this will be in addition to proper oral hygiene being established.
Key words: Impression technique, distal extension, periodontium, last abutment. (J Bagh Coll Dentistry 2009; 21(4):37-
40)