In dental terminology, what does "RPD" stand for?

The term "RPD" stands for "Removable Partial Denture." This terminology is widely used in dentistry to describe a type of dental prosthesis designed to replace missing teeth in patients who still have some of their natural teeth remaining. A removable partial denture not only restores the function and aesthetics of the teeth but also helps maintain the position of the remaining teeth, preventing them from shifting over time.

The term emphasizes that the device can be easily removed by the patient for cleaning or during nighttime, which is an important feature for maintaining oral hygiene.

Other options, while they might sound plausible, do not correctly reflect standard dental terminology. For instance, a retentive device is not the established term for partial dentures; it focuses more on the mechanism of retention rather than the complete function of the prosthetic. Root planing is a procedure related to periodontal therapy, not a device. Lastly, radical periodontal dissection refers to an extensive surgical procedure and does not relate to removable prosthodontics. Thus, "Removable Partial Denture" is the precise term used in clinical practice to describe this type of dental appliance.