[Construction of data base for designing removable partial dentures. 1. Retainer and abutment selection].

In designing removable partial dentures (R.P.D.) for edentulous patients, variety of designs are selected with considering the condition of residual teeth, alveolar ridge, occlusion and other factors. We have been trying to develop the computer consultation system for designing R.P.D. (so called "expert system") to rationalize the processes of R.P.D. design. In developing and expanding this system, the construction and enlargement of the rulebase and database are indispensable. In this report, we analyzed R.P.D. designs in student's clinic ('83-'85), in order to find the logic for design (rulebase) and to construct databases. Following results were obtained. 1) Wire clasps were most frequently used in Kennedy classification I, II in maxilla. Double clasps were mostly used in Kennedy class I, II in mandible. Akers' clasps were mostly used in class III. 2) Canine, first and second premolar were more frequently selected for abutment than other teeth.