Kennedy’s classification of partially edentoulus areas
Tooth loss is one of the most common problems with which a patient comes to a dental clinic. This can either be a completely edentulous or partially edentulous area
The causes of tooth loss are many from age to trauma. And as we consider age the loss of teeth is gradual as the resorption of the bone starts. This leads to formation of partially edentoulus areas before the arches are completely edentoulus. The treatment of these partially edentulous area is as important as treatment of completely edentoulus area.
So what is the need of classification of partially edentoulus areas?
The answer is quite simple- to treat the patient more efficiently, and to understand and communicate to make the process simple for both clinician and patient in terms of treatment time.
Then comes the question- What are the requirements of the classification system?
They are as following:
1. It should permit immediate visualization of the type of partially edentulous arch that is being considered.
2. It should permit immediate differentiation between the tooth-supported and the tooth- and tissue supported removable partial denture.
3. It should be universally acceptable.
With regards to these guidelines there are several classifications that have been proposed and are in use. Among many, the kennedy method of classification is most widely accepted
Kennedy’s classification
Originally proposed by Dr. Edward Kennedy in 1952 it consisted of four basic classes.
the endentulous areas other than four basic designs were considered as modifications of these designs. The classes are as follows
Class I: Bilateral edentulous area posterior to the natural teeth
Class II: A unilateral edentulous area located posterior to remaining natural teeth
Class III: A unilateral edentulous area with natural teeth remaining both anterior and posterior to it
Class IV: A single but bilateral ( crossing the midline) edentulous area located anterior to remaining natural teeth
The modification spaces are managed by the Applegate’s rules
The Applegates rules are as follows:
Rule 1: Classification should follow rather than precede any extractions that might alter original classification
Rule 2: If a third molar is missing and not to be replaced, it is not considered in the classification
Rule 3: If third molar is present and is to be used as an abutment it is considered in the classification
Rule 4: If second molar is missing and not to be replaced it is not considered in the classification
Rule 5: The most posterior edentulous area always determines the classification
Rule 6: Edentulous area other than those determining the classification are referred to as modifications and are designated by their numbers
Rule 7: The extent of the modification is not considered, only the number of additional edentulous areas
Rule 8: There cannot be modifications in class IV arches
Merits of kennedy’s classification is that it helps in immediate visualization of the edentoulus spaces and allows you produce a design for the removable partial denture easily.
Kennedy’s system even though simple and widely accepted is only applicable in the cases of the removable partial dentures(R.P.D) but not fixed partials, so a clinician should be familiar with others
Contributor- Medico Prashamsh Chandra Kulkarni
nicely written