Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

What is a significant advantage of removable partial dentures (RPD) over fixed partial dentures (FPD)?

1. Cost-effectiveness

2. Hygiene maintenance

3. Increased aesthetics

4. Longer lifespan

The correct answer is: Hygiene maintenance

The advantage of removable partial dentures (RPD) in terms of hygiene maintenance stems from their design, which allows patients to easily remove the prosthesis for cleaning. This accessibility makes it simpler for individuals to maintain oral hygiene, as they can brush and clean both the denture itself and the underlying gums and remaining natural teeth more effectively. In contrast, fixed partial dentures (FPD) are permanently affixed and can be more challenging to clean adequately, leading to potential complications, such as plaque buildup and decay around the abutment teeth. Moreover, the opportunity to remove RPDs helps in maintaining good periodontal health, as it encourages patients to engage in daily cleaning routines that are essential for avoiding gum disease and ensuring overall oral hygiene. This emphasizes the importance of hygiene when managing prosthetic devices within the mouth. In comparing other attributes, while RPDs can indeed be cost-effective, their primary advantage in hygiene is more pronounced as it directly contributes to the user’s ongoing oral health. Additionally, aesthetics can vary depending on the material quality and specific design, and lifespan can differ based on care, thus making hygiene maintenance a significant and clear benefit of RPDs.