Study about Unique, Cost-effective and Retentive Removable Prosthesis to Rehabilitate Long Span Kennedy’s Class I Edentulism with Custom Attachment System

Abstract

Aim: This case study discusses a unique custom-made attachment on the abutment teeth that was used to improve the retention and stability of a removable partial denture. It also sheds light on a low-cost method for changing the abutment teeth with the help of crowns and custom-made attachments.

Background: Achieving retention in Kennedy's class I bilateral edentulism usually has an impact on the periodontal health of the abutment teeth, and eventually the retention is compromised. The patient's masticatory efficiency is also impacted by distal extension edentulism. The rehabilitation of a patient with the long span Kennedy's class I condition is complicated by the lack of a sufficient number of abutments to support the prosthesis. For the same reason, conventional removable prostheses with clasps and cantilever fixed partial prostheses are not recommended in this situation.

Case Description: A case involving the Kennedy class 1 modification 1 partially edentulous arch with missing 1st and 2nd molars, as well as central incisors, was rehabilitated with a low-cost custom attachment that used a die-pin and sleeve to provide a fixed prosthesis on abutment teeth and a removable prosthesis with missing teeth.

Conclusion: This procedure has the following advantages: better retention than traditional RPDs, protection of abutment health by repairing it with a crown, ease of placement and removal, and low cost.

Clinical Significance: The entire technique demands less skill compared to semi-precision and precision attachments.