Summary: | The Oral Health Component of the 2007-2009 Canadian Health Measures Survey found that 16% of Canadian adults had moderate periodontal disease, and 4% had severe disease, according to clinical measurements of changes in the gum and ligaments. Treatment for periodontal disease involves the establishment of a dental hygiene regimen, with mechanical removal of plaque and calculus, and, in severe cases, topical antiseptics, systemic antibiotics or oral surgery. Chewing ability can be restored using any or a combination of strategies, including fixed or partial dentures, or implants. Numerous designs for appliances and biocompatible materials have been developed. For removable partial dentures, metal frames are deemed preferable, but they may not be suitable for patients with periodontal disease, where progressive changes to the mouth, including tooth loss, may lead to the need for further modifications of the appliance. Acrylic (i.e., plastic) dentures are more readily modifiable than metal. This report is an update from a published Rapid Response report on the clinical effectiveness and safety of acrylic removable partial dentures and metal removable partial dentures in patients with periodontal disease
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