Synopsis:

Long regarded an irrelevant treatment modality, RPD therapy in the United States is almost universally poorly considered and executed. With the volume of partially edentulous patients exceeding the willing and able prosthodontic provider hours, demand for appropriately considered RPD therapy will remain high. This lecture will discuss the many reasons why the RPD is a relevant prosthodontic option. Whether managing dental implant failures, periodontal disease consequences, acquired defects, geriatric patients, or anatomical limitations, RPDs provide a safe, successful, and economical option for patients unwilling or unable to be seen by high level providers in the main urban centers. A summary and demonstration of modern RPD philosophy and technique will be highlighted using clinical examples.

Learning objectives:

1. Understand that the vast majority of RPD failures are failures in risk assessment and disease control rather than RPD design or technique.
2. Understand that, for the average prosthodontic clinician, the RPD will remain a successful, low-risk, and economical option for a significant number of patients.
3. Highlight the key treatment planning and technical aspects of the modern RPD.