Periodontal disease in partial denture wearers—a biological index

Summary Studies on the adverse effects of partial dentures on the remaining tissues require both a yardstick of measurement to record the level of oral disease, and the use of controls, preferably within the same patient. A method was devised for pooling the individual values related to the level of periodontal disease on abutment and control teeth in partial dentitions. The difference in these combined values was expressed as the Biological Price. This value provided a useful means of evaluating partial denture designs and patient features, in attempting to assess the major contributing factors responsible for the Biological Price levied by the denture. Whilst wearing an acrylic partial denture at night adds to the price paid by the remaining tissues, the mechanical features of the partial denture, and the overall features of the patient and his remaining dentition appear to be insignificant in determining the Biological Price.