Radiographic and metallographic evaluation of porosity defects and grain structure of cast chromium cobalt removable partial dentures.

A study was undertaken to determine the defects in the internal microstructure of clasps of cast chromium cobalt removable partial denture frameworks. Ninety cast frameworks were radiographically evaluated for porosity with an industrial radiographic machine. The grain structure of the clasps was analyzed with an optical photomicroscope before and after various heat treatments. The radiographic study showed a large number of internal defects in various parts of removable partial denture frameworks. The grain structure study revealed microporosities randomly distributed within the matrix. Various heat treatments were performed and resulted in no change in the grain structure of the original castings.