Distribution of Partial Edentulism According to Kennedy Classification: A Study of a Selected Population in Turkey

The purpose of this study was to determine, in Turkey, the patterns and distribution of partial edentulism (PE) according to Kennedy-Applegate classification. This study was carried on patients who applied to the dental university clinics and who were diagnosed as requiring a removable partial denture (RPD), at least for one arch. Total of 319 patients were included in the study (206 females, 113 males, aged 35-89). The evaluation of the findings was made using chi-square test. There were 424 partially edentulous arches and 93 totally edentulous arches. Kennedy I was the most frequently observed, whereas Kennedy IV was the least frequent, both in the upper and the lower partial edentulous arches. Edentulous maxilla opposing mandibular Kennedy I was found as the most common arch combination. There was no statistically significant difference between the distribution of Kennedy classes of both arches (p>0.05). When PE was examined according to the modification number, Kennedy I with no modification was encountered the most, in both arches. The relationship between the distribution of Kennedy classes and gender was statistically significant. PE was encountered more in females in both arches. The difference between various Kennedy classes of the maxilla and age distribution was statistically significant (p:0,048). The difference between various Kennedy classes of the mandible and age distribution was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Kennedy I was observed the most often, both in the maxilla and the mandible among Turkish population with PE. Determination of the incidence of various classes of PE provides clinically useful information.