The importance of communication in the construction of partial dentures

Key Points To define the importance of communication in removable partial dentures, with the patient, the laboratory, and the dental nurse. To inform clinicians of the indications for removal partial dentures, and how to carry out a comprehensive patient assessment. To provide clinicians with an overview for construction of removable prosthesis, with predictable and successful prosthodontic outcomes. Removable partial dentures (RPDs) are still a very important treatment modality in general dentistry to replace missing teeth. With the increase in popularity of implants, RPDs are sometimes seen as an 'old-fashioned' treatment option and if not carefully designed can be damaging to oral tissue and aesthetically less favourable. However, there is still a significantly large cohort of patients for whom RPDs are the best option for replacement of teeth either due to a failing dentition, inappropriate anatomy or financial considerations. This article explores the importance of effective three way communication with the patient, the laboratory and the dental nurse to support the provision of reliable and predictable prosthodontic outcomes.