Removable partial dentures may have benefits for long-term survival outcomes

Removable partial dentures may have benefits for long-term survival outcomes suggests a recent study published in the Journal of Dentistry
The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the use of removable partial dentures (RPDs) has an effect on long-term survival outcomes amongst partially edentulous adults.
Data were extracted from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and linked to public-use mortality files for the period up to 2019. Partially edentulous adults with fewer than 20 teeth were included. RPD use and dentition status were determined by clinical examination. The cohort was propensity score weighted to create a sample which was balanced across 27 covariates (sociodemographics, health behaviors and insurance, laboratory markers, and general health status). Survival analysis was undertaken to compute absolute (mortality rate and median survival time) and relative (event time ratio [ETR]) measures of exposure effect.
Results:
- The analyzed cohort included 1246 participants, which equated to 22,557 person-years of follow-up.
- The difference in all-cause mortality rate between RPD wearers and non-wearers was found to be –6.5 (95% CI: –11.6 to –1.4), with the median survival time in RPD wearers being 3.1 years longer (20.3 years versus 17.2 years).
- A 26% increase in survival time was observed in RPD wearers (ETR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.17 to 1.37) and it was found that, for every 7.5 individuals treated with RPDs, one death would be prevented after 10 years of treatment.
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.