Proximal plaque accumulation with two minor connector designs

The relationship of plaque accumulation to two different designs of a proximal minor connector, was studied in twenty-seven removable partial denture wearers. On thirty proximal surfaces adjacent to a closed space design, and on thirty-two surfaces adjacent to an open space design, plaque formation was recorded using a plaque scoring system. Mean plaque scores were calculated separately for the two types of design, and no difference was found between the two sets of scores.     

Qualitative changes in dental plaque formation related to removable partial dentures

A study was performed on the microbial composition of dental plaque developing on fifteen abutment teeth in nine partially edentulous subjects. Bacteria were counted in samples of plaque which had formed on vestibular surfaces, and on proximal surfaces facing edentulous spaces, during a period when dentures were not worn, and then for a period when dentures were being worn. It was found that the presence of removable partial dentures favoured a proliferation of spiral organisms.     

Host response to two different designs of minor connector

Temperatures were recorded in thirty-two gingival crevices adjacent to proximal surfaces of abutment teeth fitted with minor connectors of an open space design, and in thirty gingival crevices adjacent to proximal surfaces fitted with minor connectors of a closed design. During the 2 week experimental period, the twenty-seven removable partial denture subjects who were involved in the study kept the accumulation of plaque to a minimum by applying specialized tooth-brushing. Although an equal but small amount of plaque formed in both groups, the presumed minimal rise in temperature stimulated by this plaque did not prevent the two connector designs from showing disparate effects on the crevicular temperature. It was concluded that the open space design of minor connector is less conducive to irritation of the adjacent marginal gingiva than is the closed design.     

Plaque recordings as a guide to the prognosis for partial denture treatment

Separate mean plaque scores of the proximal surfaces of abutment teeth, which faced denture saddles, were obtained from thirty-three subjects with removable partial dentures, following a period of ordinary tooth-brushing and at the end of a period following instruction in specialized tooth-brushing. With ordinary tooth-brushing, the subjects were distributed in the upper range of plaque scores which was considered dangerous to periodontal health. With specialized tooth-brushing the subjects showed lower mean plaque scores, but over a wider distribution. Thus patients are variously at risk when treated with partial dentures.     

Quantitative changes in dental plaque formation related to removable partial dentures

Plaque formation on forty-four teeth acting as abutments for removable partial dentures was studied while the patients were wearing their dentures and while they were not. The amount of plaque was assessed according to Quigley & Hein (1962), modified by Kardel & Bay (1967). In addition, that formed occlusally was evaluated by an occlusal plaque scoring index designed for the present study. It was found that the wearing of partial dentures increased the formation of plaque on all tooth surfaces under investigation.     

Concatenation of variations in plaque formation with variations in crevicular temperature

The hypothesis was tested that variations in the temperature of gingival crevices are linked to variations in plaque formation. Fifty-nine abutment teeth to removable partial dentures were studied during four experiments, under various conditions of plaque formation, i.e. not brushing the teeth whilst wearing and not wearing dentures, and performing ordinary and then specialized tooth brushing whilst wearing dentures. The collation of temperature curves with plaque curves revealed a proportional relationship between the rate and magnitude of plaque formation and the rate and magnitude of the recorded temperature changes. Furthermore, the removal of plaque resulted in a reversal of induced temperature rises. The lowest crevicular temperatures were obtained with the practice of the specialized tooth brushing.     

Offsetting the increased plaque formation in partial denture wearers by tooth brushing

In two experiments, each running for 2 weeks, plaque formation was studied on forty-two teeth acting as abutments for removable partial dentures. In the first experiment, only ordinary tooth brushing was practised. Plaque accumulation was rapid, yielding scores ranging between 2 and 5. In the second experiment, following instruction in intensive tooth brushing, plaque scores were depressed to approximately 1.5 and below.