RESUMO
Removable partial dentures (RPD) are used to restore Class 2A, 2B, 2A/1, and Class 3 type partially edentulous arches. Calibrated dentists of the Department of Prosthodontics performed oral health survey first in 1985-1989 and a second survey in 2003-2004. The oral surveys were carried out at the lung cancer screening stations, after obtaining formal consent of those individuals who were originally referred to perform x-ray lung screening examination. Subjects were interviewed and clinically examined under artificial lighting conditions. In the "second" survey data collected on 765 RPDs were analysed. Examined aspects of RPD design were: the protection of the marginal periodontium, extension of major connectors, base plate materials, tooth and tissue support. The level of restoration related damage on the remaining teeth was estimated according to whether remaining teeth were used for retention or for support; had any other type of denture-contact or remaining teeth were free from contact with denture. Approximately 50% of dentures showed dento-mucosal or muco-dental support; metal base was present in 45-48% of dentures; 47% of major connectors were designed with reduced extension; freedom of gingival margin was assured in 43-45% of the dentures. 26.10% of reference teeth; 19.11% of the remaining teeth used for support; 31.53% of the teeth used for retention; 28.07% of the teeth free from contact with denture and 38.00% of those remaining teeth with any other type of denture contact showed a sign of damage. Findings of the authors' survey show a considerable improvement in all aspects of RPD design--but still further progression is required. Those principles of RPD design taught in dental schools can only gradually influence the routine daily dental practice. Assessment of remaining teeth damages confirm the standards we outlined for RPD design with the main priorities of dental support and the protection of the gingival margin.