Yasameen Al-Forati (1)
D.r\ Mohammed Ejresh (2)
Abstract :
Background: Removable dentures, including complete and partial dentures, are widely used to restore oral function, esthetics, and patient comfort after tooth loss. Despite their benefits, various mechanical, biological, and patient-related factors can lead to denture failure, compromising treatment success. Understanding the common causes of removable denture failures is essential for improving prosthesis design, maintenance, and long-term clinical outcomes.
Objective: To identify the types and frequency of denture failures in complete and partial dentures.
Methodology: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Prosthodontic Department, Specialized Dental Center, Babylon Health Directorate, Iraq, between January and June 2026. A total of 100 patients wearing complete or removable partial dentures were examined through clinical assessment and patient interviews. Data on demographic characteristics, prosthesis type, and denture-related failures were collected and categorized as biological or technical failures. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, with descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests applied to evaluate the prevalence, patterns, and associated factors of removable denture failures, considering p < 0.05 as statistically significant.
Results: Among the 100 participants, the mean age was 52.1 ± 9.4 years, with a nearly equal gender distribution (51% males and 49% females). Successful prosthetic outcomes were observed in 72% of cases, while 10% presented with looseness, 9% with stability and retention problems, and 9% failed to attend follow-up visits. Complete dentures (29%) and partial dentures (27%) were the most commonly used prostheses, and the maxillary arch was the most frequently treated site (56%). The findings indicate that removable prosthodontic success is influenced by prosthesis type, arch anatomy, and patient-related factors, with mandibular prostheses showing greater susceptibility to functional complications due to biomechanical limitations.
Conclusion: Removable prostheses demonstrated a high overall success rate, with most patients achieving satisfactory clinical outcomes. However, complications related to retention, stability, and follow-up compliance remain important causes of treatment failure. Prosthesis type, arch anatomy, and patient-related factors should be carefully considered to improve long-term prosthodontic outcomes.