Purpose: This retrospective study evaluated the periodontal tissues of the abutment teeth of removable partial dentures (RPDs) with rigid retainers and major connectors in patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D).
Methods: A total of 313 patients who had been treated with RPDs, including rigid retainers and major connectors, were divided into two groups: T2D and non-T2D. The periodontal parameters and radiographic bone heights of the abutment teeth were evaluated at baseline and at a 5-year examination during supportive periodontal therapy (SPT). For patients with accessible standardized radiographs, bone density was analyzed based on the gray level (GL) using digital subtraction radiography (n = 83).
Results: Overall, 739 abutment teeth (86 in the T2D group) of 235 patients (25 in the T2D group) were analyzed, and 95.0% (94.2% in the T2D group, and 95.2% in the non-T2D group) were maintained. The mean probing pocket depth significantly increased in both groups (p < 0.001). There were significant changes in the radiographic bone height (p = 0.038) and GL on the side of the denture base area (p = 0.048) in the T2D group compared to those in the non-T2D group.
Conclusion: Regardless of T2D, RPDs with rigid retainers and major connectors could prevent the progression of periodontal disease and successfully maintain most of the abutment teeth during 5-years of SPT. However, T2D may be significantly associated with loss of bone height reduction and density on the side of the denture base area.
Keywords: Digital subtraction; Periodontal disease; Prosthodontics; Removable partial denture; Type 2 diabetes mellitus.