The aims of this study were to measure and describe the oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) and to identify the complications caused by partial removable dental prosthesis (RDPs) in patients 1–5 years after treatment. Complications were identified in 65 patients who were treated with 83 RDPs (48 upper, 35 lower). OHRQoL was measured using the OHIP‐49 before treatment and at the baseline (1–2 months after treatment) and follow‐up (1–5 years after treatment) examinations. The types and numbers of oral problems that were experienced were described based on OHIP items with a score of 3 and 4. A significant improvement (P < 0·05) in the total OHIP‐49 was registered from pre‐treatment (mean 42, SD ± 37) to baseline (mean 29, SD ± 27) and from pre‐treatment to 1–5 years after treatment (mean 32, SD ± 30). There was no significant difference between the baseline and 1‐ to 5‐year follow‐up examinations. Problems with eating and appearance registered at pre‐treatment were improved at baseline and after 1–5 years. Problems with dentures that had been registered pre‐treatment were improved at baseline but reoccurred after 1–5 years. The two most frequent complications were ill‐fitting RDPs and inflammation of the oral mucosa, followed less frequently by fractures of the clasps. Treatment with RDPs improved OHRQoL, but denture‐related problems partly remained, and new problems related to RDPs occurred 1–5 years after treatment. The two most frequent complications were ill‐fitting RDPs and inflammation of the oral mucosa.