Prosthetics 2 - Why Partial Dentures?

Question 1

what are the uses of partial dentures?

Answer 1

• appearance: fill in gaps from missing teeth
• speech: better articulation of words
• mastication: more efficient chewing
• prevent attrition
• prevent unwanted tooth movement: drifting, tilting, overeruption
• prevent tongue spread
• helps with maxillofacial defects: congenital/acquired (obturators)

Question 2

what are the health gains of using partial dentures?

Answer 2

apperance
speech
mastication
craniofacial function

Question 3

which structures can be compromised due to the use of partial dentures?

Answer 3

teeth
periodontium
oral mucosa
craniofacial structures

Question 4

downside of partial dentures?

Answer 4

• caries
• tissue damage
• periodontal disease
• increased plaque levels

Question 5

how to minimize damage from partial dentures?

Answer 5

• ensure good fit of prostheses
• avoid tissue coverage where possible
• good oral hygiene

Question 6

describe the kennedy class 1 saddle

Answer 6

bilateral free end saddle

Question 7

describe the kennedy class 2 saddle

Answer 7

unilateral free end saddle

Question 8

describe the kennedy class 3 saddle

Answer 8

single bounded saddle that does not cross the midline

Question 9

describe the kennedy class 4 saddle

Answer 9

single bounded saddle that crosses the midline (anterior teeth)

Question 10

what if there is more than one edentulous saddle present?

Answer 10

modifications are used to refine the basic classification

Question 11

how is the main classification defined?

Answer 11

the most posterior saddle is used, second saddle is the modification