The role of surveying master models on time efficiency and clinical outcomes in patients receiving acrylic removable partial dentures

Abstract

Purpose of the study To analyse laboratory and clinical time efficiency, and patient and dentist reported outcomes of aesthetics and functional aspects for Removable Partial Dentures constructed with or without the use of a surveyor. Research question When constructing partial dentures, does the use of a surveyor affect the laboratory and clinical time of the prosthesis, and affect customer (dentist and patient) satisfaction? Methods used The sample was divided into two groups, surveyed and unsurveyed. The number of undercuts on each master model was recorded and their degree was measured. This information was used to balance the surveyed and unsurveyed groups with an equal potential for interferences. Laboratory and clinical procedure times for both groups were measured and analysed based on 20 patients (n=10/10). Patient and Dentist Satisfaction were reported by means of questionnaires based on 34 treated jaws (n=17/17). Patient satisfaction was measured on insertion, and one, two and four weeks post-insertion. Dentist satisfaction was measured on insertion and one week post-insertion. The collected data was analysed with IBM SPSS Statistics version 24. Significance level was established at p ≤ 0.05. Overall findings and Conclusion: For laboratory procedures, surveying time was longer in the surveyed group and trimming time was longer for the unsurveyed group. No differences in clinical procedure times were found. From the dentist´s point of view, retention, fit, possibility of food traps and clasps engagement were better with unsurveyed models. Occlusion, proximal undercuts and perceived appointment-time improved significantly for both groups. From the patient's point of view, placement/removal and speech improved more with unsurveyed models. Pain experienced a more important reduction in surveyed patients. For both groups, aesthetics, speech and mastication improved but fit, retention, stability and movement during mastication worsened.