The proportion of geriatric patients wearing removable partial dentures is increasing. At the same time, the prevalence of root caries accompanied by gingival recession is increasing. Abutment teeth in particular are more likely to be affected by caries and periodontal disease than any other teeth. Because abutment teeth anchoring removable partial dentures tend to be inadequately cleaned, preventing root caries in these teeth is crucial. A variety of vehicles can deliver fluoride into the oral cavity, including fluoride mouth-rinse, fluoride dentifrice, topical fluoride, and fluoride-releasing restorative materials, all of which effectively prevent root caries and suppress recurrent caries.
A recently developed resin composite containing a filler of surface pre-reacted glass-ionomer (S-PRG) has the valuable property of being fluoride rechargeable. Recent studies of this resin composite have revealed some aspects of its clinical value. They have suggested that the development of a fluoride rechargeable denture base resin will make a significant contribution to reducing root caries in the abutment teeth of people who wear partial dentures.
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