Internal porosity of cast titanium removable partial dentures: Influence of sprue direction on porosity in circumferential clasps of a clinical framework design

Abstract

Statement of Problem. Although internal porosity is a potential risk factor for clasp fracture, little is known about its frequency in the clasps of titanium removable partial dentures. Purpose. This study investigated the influence of the direction of auxiliary sprues on porosity in the circumferential clasps of a pressure-cast titanium removable partial denture. Material and Methods. Wax patterns of a removable partial denture framework were made on 10 identical refractory casts of a Kennedy class II, modification 1, mandibular partially edentulous arch. For the auxiliary sprues directed to the circumferential clasps, 2 designs were used: straight and curved. Casting was performed in a 1-chamber pressure casting machine. Pore number and size were assessed on radiographs of the castings. The data were analyzed with the 2-tailed Student t test (P <.05). Randomly selected specimens were sectioned for morphologic observation of the internal surface of the pores. Results. The number of pores ≥0.5 mm diameter and the total number of pores were significantly lower in the molar lingual arms of the curved sprue group than in the corresponding clasp arms of the straight sprue group (P =.03 and P =.009, respectively). No significant differences between the 2 groups were found for pores of any size in other locations. The pores had smooth internal surfaces. Conclusion. Within the limitations of this study, the curved sprue design produced significantly less porosity in the circumferential clasp arms of a cast titanium removable partial denture than the conventional straight design. The results suggest that internal porosity in titanium castings can be controlled through sprue design. (J Prosthet Dent 2002;88:151-8.)