INTRODUCTION: Recent researches have shown that, in principle, computer-assisted design, computer-assisted manufacture and rapid prototype technologies (CAD/CAM/RP) can be successfully applied to the fabrication of removable partial denture (RPD) alloy frameworks and replace laboratory crafting techniques. The CAD/CAM techniques have been widely used for a long time to manufacture dental prostheses. Selective laser sintering (SLS), as an additive manufacturing (AM) method, is a new rapid prototyping technology which can be applied in the manufacturing of dental prosthesis based on layer-wise material addition.
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical efficiency of cobalt–chromium removable partial denture framework fabricated using CAD/Selective Laser Sintering technology clinically and cytologically.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: To carry out this study, six maxillary partially edentulous patients (class III modification 1. According to Kennedy classification) were selected from those attending the prosthodontics department, faculty of dentistry, Alexandria University. For each patient a cobalt chromium removable partial denture framework was fabricated using CAD/SLS technique then it was tried in and teeth were added, casted and inserted. Plaque index, gingival index, peridontal probing depth and clinical attachment level were evaluated and recorded for all patients at time of insertion, after 3 months and 6 months of follow up periods.
RESULTS: all removable partial dentures showed minimum plaque accumulation, no signs of gingival tissue inflammation, and no significance changes of periodontal probing depth and no significance of attachment loss of the peridontium.
CONCLUSION: all patients were satisfied with their dentures which fabricated by the computer aided design-computer aided manufacturing -rapid prototyping laser sintering technique (CAD/CAM/SLS) showing good oral environment response.