Saúde periodontoal em usuários de próteses parciais removíveis: um estudo transversal sobre fatores associados e implicações clínicas

Abstract

This study evaluated the periodontal condition of the remaining teeth in users of Removable Partial Dentures (RPDs) fabricated within the past five years at a public university dental service, identifying factors associated with periodontal changes, with emphasis on the abutment teeth of these prostheses. This was an observational, retrospective, cross-sectional study conducted with partially edentulous patients using RPDs. Abutment and non-abutment teeth were assessed using clinical parameters: probing depth (PD), gingival margin level (GML), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), and tooth mobility (TM). Clinical variables (type of edentulism defined by Kennedy classification, location, and type of RPD support), functional variables (continuous use, need for adjustments, and history of complications), and sociodemographic variables (income, education, age, and gender) were analyzed using simple and multiple linear regression. Among the main findings, abutment teeth of RPDs showed significantly higher CAL and GML values (p < 0.05), suggesting greater periodontal impairment. Variables such as abutment status, cause of edentulism, post-delivery adjustments, and gender were significantly associated with CAL and GML in the multivariate models. Opposing arches with fewer teeth and the type of edentulism also significantly influenced GML. Regular use of the prosthesis lost significance in the adjusted analysis, suggesting a confounding effect. Thus, it is concluded that abutment teeth of RPDs present worse periodontal conditions compared to non-abutment teeth. Mechanical, biological, and social factors directly influence periodontal indices in RPD users. Regular clinical follow-up and proper maintenance of RPDs are essential to preserve the periodontal health of abutment teeth, reduce complications, and ensure greater longevity of the treatment.