Clinical effectiveness of implant-supported removable partial dentures: a review of the literature and retrospective case evaluation.

PURPOSE: To review the published data on the treatment outcomes of restoring the partially edentulous patient with implant-supported removable partial dentures (ISRPDs) and describe the concept of ISRPDs and the clinical guidelines for placing implants for ISRPDs, and evaluate case series results.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: For the review, a literature search was performed using the PubMed and Ovid databases. Reports in English from 1969 to 2008 were considered. Also, 35 patients have had their dentition restored with ISRPDs supported by 67 implants. These patients were evaluated in terms of implant and teeth survival.

RESULTS: The data from the published reports and the presented case series suggest that the incorporation of dental implants into removable partial dentures could be an optional treatment plan for the partially edentulous patient to improve function and patient satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS: ISRPDs provide patients with stable, long-term predictable prostheses. This treatment alternative should be considered whenever fixed restorations are not a valid option. Strict maintenance and a follow-up protocol are recommended to obtain satisfactory results. Longitudinal clinical studies are required for evaluation of ISRPDs.