A clinical study of the periodontal status of abutment teeth supporting swinglock removable partial dentures--a pilot study.

Eleven patients wearing mandibular swinglock bilateral distal extension removable partial dentures opposing maxillary complete dentures were studied for a period up to 2 years. They had moderate to advanced periodontal disease with retrograde mobility patterns. Periodontal therapy, as well as treatment of dental carious lesions, was completed before fabrication of the prosthesis. Recordings of the gingival status, pocket depth, plaque score, tooth mobility, and dental caries were made at the time of the placement of the prosthesis and thereafter at 6-month intervals. Final results were obtained at the end of 2 years in six patients (group A) and at 1 1/2 years in five patients (group B). Our findings show that both groups had a statistically significant increase in gingival inflammation. However, no differences in degree of inflammation were observed between the two groups with regard to the status of gingival tissues that were covered and uncovered by the components of the swinglock removable partial denture. Also, no statistically significant differences in pocket depths and plaque scores were found between the time of placement of the swinglock removable partial denture and the final recall visit. Of the 61 abutment teeth, 85.2% had no significant change in mobility, 11.5% showed a substantial decrease in mobility, and 3.3% showed a considerable increase in mobility. The patients were able to successfully wear the swinglock removable partial denture without clinically significant changes in the supporting structures of the abutment teeth. This report is part of an ongoing study to determine the efficacy of swinglock removable partial dentures.