Assessment of Incidence, Causes and Types of Removable Denture Fractures: A Cross-sectional Clinical Survey from Northern Karnataka, India

Abstract

Introduction: Removable dentures are subjected to fracture due to many causes and reasons. Due to sudden fracture of denture, the individual’s social and mental well-being is affected. As Prosthodontists, we must investigate and solve the problems pertaining to removable dentures. Aim: To investigate the incidence, causes and types of removable denture fractures and to determine the association between different variables and fractured removable dentures. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional clinical survey was carried out in Department of Prosthodontics in PMNM Dental College and Hospital, Bagalkot, North Karnataka, India. A total of 214 adult patients within the age group of 25-80 years were included in the study and assessed over a period from August 2018 to February 2020, by four clinicians with the help of questionnaire. Ten parameters namely gender, age of wearer, type of denture, Kennedy’s classification, age of denture, cause of fracture, type of fracture, number of previous fracture, retention and type of antagonist were evaluated. The participants responded to all the questions and the data obtained was organised in a tabular form and statistically analysed by Chi-square test. Results: Amongst a total of 214 adult patients (142 males and 72 females), the results showed that the incidence of removable denture fracture was seen higher in male patients (66.36%) than in female patients (33.64%). Age group greater than 60 years showed higher incidence 108 (50.47%) of denture fractures. The lower complete dentures were the most commonly fractured removable dentures 96 (44.86%). Acrylic denture base resin fracture was most frequent denture fracture type 144 (67.29%). Fractures for the first time were higher in number compared to previous 1, 2 or 3 fractures. Higher incidence of fracture was seen in poorly retained dentures 111 (51.87%) and in dentures with complete denture as antagonist 163 (76.17%). The variables like gender of wearer (p-value=0.001), age of wearer (p-value=0.014), age of denture (p-value=0.019), retention quality of denture (p-value=0.017) and type of antagonist (p-value=0.001) showed a statistically significant relation with denture fracture. Conclusion: Improvement in the processing techniques and type of resin used along with innovative methods of increasing the fracture toughness of removable dentures is of great importance to reduce the incidence of denture fracture.

Keywords

• acrylic resin
• denture repair
• flexural fatigue
• impact