Prevalence of Kennedy’s Classes in Partial Edentulism – A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequencies and pattern of partial edentulism according to Kennedy’s classification in local population and its association with gender or arch type. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 214 patients who visited Outpatient department, Nishtar Institute of Dentistry, Multan from 15-31st January, 2022. Non-probability consecutive sampling was employed. Partially dentate patients of age groups from 21 year onward were included in the study whereas completely edentulous patients or having fixed-prosthesis were not. Pattern of edentulism was evaluated by inspection and visual examination of the patient. Classification of arches was done according to Kennedy’s classification in combination with Applegate’s rules. To avoid complications, modifications were not considered. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 was used to analyze data and, frequencies and percentages were calculated along with association between the Kennedy’s class and other variables. Results: Of the 214 subjects, 108 (50.5%) were male and 106 (49.5%) were female. Majority (25.2%, n=54) of the patients were in their 30s followed by 24.8% in their forties (fig 1). In majority (65.4%, n=140) of the patients Kennedy’s class III was seen (fig 2). There was no significant association of Kennedy’s class with arch type (p=0.09) or gender (p=0.78). Conclusion: Kennedy’s class III was the most found partial edentulism pattern. No significant association was found between Kennedy’s class and gender or arch type. Key Words: Partial edentulism, Kennedy’s classification, Applegate’s rule, tooth loss