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Classification of Partially Edentulous Arches

Classification of Partially Edentulous Arches

Introduction to RPD

Requirements of an acceptable method of classification

  1. Should permit immediate visualisation of the type of partially edentulous arch that is under consideration.
  2. Should permit immediate differentiation between tooth-supported and tooth- and tissue-supported removable partial dentures.
  3. Should be universally acceptable.

Kennedy Classification

  • Class I : Bilateral edentulous areas located posterior to the natural teeth.
  • Class II : A unilateral edentulous area located posterior to the remaining natural teeth.
  • Class III : A unilateral edentulous area with natural teeth present both anterior and posterior to it.
  • Class IV : A single but bilateral edentulous area, that crosses the midline and is located anterior to the remaining natural teeth.
  • Modification spaces: Includes edentulous areas other than those determining the basic classes.

Applegate's Rules

  • Rule 1 : Classification should follow rather than precede any extraction of teeth that might alter the 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 a third molar is present and to be used as an abutment, it is considered in the classification.
  • Rule 4 : If a second molar is missing and not to be replaced, it is not considered in the classification.
  • Rule 5 : The most posterior edentulous area (areas) determine the classification.
  • Rule 6 : Edentulous areas other than those determining the classification are to be referred as modifications and are designated by their numbers.
  • Rule 7 : The extent of modification is not considered, only the number of additional edentulous spaces.
  • Rule 8 : There can be no modifications areas in Class IV arches. (Since, any other edentulous area lying posterior to the single anterior bilateral area, would instead determine the classification, as per Rule 5.)

References

  • McCracken's Removable Partial Prosthodontics, 13th Edition, Alan B. Carr, David T. Brown, Elsevier.

  • The image used is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

    • Description : Teilprothese, Modellguss, Modellgussprothese.
    • Author : Sterilgutassistentin.

*This article is an excerpt from the above mentioned textbook and Medical Sutras does not make any ownership or affiliation claims.