Prevalence and Pattern of Partial Edentulism Among Kennedy Classification

Original Article

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence and distribution of Kennedy classification of partial edentulism among patients visited in the Department of Prosthodontics, Combined Military Hospital, Quetta.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Prosthodontics, Combined Military Hospital, Quetta. It was conducted from October 2024 to March 2025. 173 patients aged 18-65 years of both genders with partial edentulism were included. Participants were recruited using consecutive sampling. We excluded patients with missing 3rd molars and those who were totally edentulous. We obtained demographic and clinical data after informed consent. We conducted oral examinations and categorized arches with no teeth into Kennedy Classes I-IV. We analyzed data using SPSS version 26. Quantitative variables were expressed as mean ± standard deviation, and categorical variables as frequencies and percentages. We analyzed data using the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test; p≤0.05 was considered significant.

Results: The mean age was 42.6 ± 11.8 years. Of 173 participants, 98 (56.6%) were male, and 75 (43.4%) were female. The mandibular arch was affected in 101 (58.4%) patients and the maxillary arch in 72 (41.6%). Kennedy Class III was most prevalent, occurring in 61 (35.3%) patients, followed by Class I in 58 (33.5%), Class II in 40 (23.1%), and Class IV in 14 (8.1%). Kennedy classification was significantly associated with age (p=0.018), gender (p=0.041), and dental arch (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Kennedy Class III was the most common pattern, while Kennedy Class IV was the least common. Significant associations with age, sex, and dental arch indicate differences in partial edentulism and may help plan and allocate prosthodontic resources