Comparative Evaluation of Quality of Life and Periodontal Health in Kennedy Class I Partially Edentulous Patients Using PEEK vs. Cobalt-Chromium Removable Partial Dentures: one year

Aim: This randomized clinical trial evaluated the short- and long-term impacts of PEEK and cobalt-chromium RPDs on oral health-related quality of life (OHIP-20) and periodontal parameters. Subjects and methods: Thirty Kennedy Class I Partially Edentulous Patients requiring RPDs were randomly assigned to receive PEEK (n = 15) or cobalt-chromium (n = 15) dentures. Quality of life was assessed using the OHIP-20 questionnaire at baseline, 4 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year. Periodontal health parameters (plaque index [PI], gingival index [GI], probing pocket depth [PPD], clinical attachment level [CAL], and bleeding on probing [BOP]) were measured at baseline and every 3 months for 1 year. Repeated measures ANOVA and post-hoc tests were used to analyze changes over time and between groups. Results: At 4 weeks, the PEEK group showed a significantly greater reduction in OHIP-20 scores (mean difference: -8.2 vs. -4.8 for cobalt-chromium; p = 0.002), indicating faster short-term improvements in quality of life. However, by 1 year, both groups achieved comparable OHIP-20 scores, suggesting equivalent long-term benefits. For periodontal health, no significant differences were observed between materials at any time point. Both groups demonstrated slight improvements in PI, GI, and BOP over time (p < 0.05), likely due to enhanced oral hygiene practices post-denture placement. PPD and CAL remained stable, with no signs of progressive periodontal deterioration. Conclusion: PEEK RPDs offer superior short-term quality of life benefits compared to cobalt-chromium, likely due to enhanced comfort and adaptability. Both materials provided equivalent long-term oral health outcomes and maintained periodontal stability over 1 year.