Solving the distal extension removable partial denture base movement dilemma: a clinical report.

T he removable partial denture (RPD) continues to be an essential prosthetic consideration in many oral reconstructions, especially when edentulous ridges posterior to a patient’s remaining teeth are to be restored. Posterior distal extension partial denture bases present a number of design challenges. Of particular concern is the equitable distribution of forces to maintain remaining alveolar ridges and teeth in an optimal state of health and to provide the patient with improved comfort and function. The distal extension RPD is subjected to vertical, horizontal, and torsional forces that may become adverse during functional and parafunctional activities. These forces, which can affect denture retention, stability, a.nd support, are often compensated for to some extent by framework and denture base design variati0ns.l Osseointegrated implants with various superstructures have been incorporated into removable complete overdenture designs in an effort to better distribute adverse forces.2-6 However, the overdenture approach has not been reported for the functional enhancement of conventional RPDs.