Designing Cast Partial Dentures in Relation to Partial Edentulism

Abstract

Objective: To determine the pattern of partial edentulism and the cast removable dental prosthesis design in relation to the Classes recorded.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Prosthodontics, Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry (AFID), Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Apr to Sep 2021.

Methodology: A total of 67 partially dentate male and female patients presenting to the Prosthodontics Department requiring partial cast dentures were included in the study. Visual inspection of the master casts and partial denture frameworks was carried out in the laboratory. Kennedy's Classification, modification areas, type of major connector, direct retainer, rest and use of indirect retention were recorded.

Results: The most prevalent Class of partially dentate arch was Kennedy Class-II in maxilla 10 (45.5%) and Class-I and III in mandible 15 (33.3%) each. Major connectors most frequently encountered were anteroposterior palatal strap (59.1%) and lingual bar (57.8%). Circumferential clasp (35.8%) was the most used retainer type in Classes II and III, whereas RPI was mostly found in Classes I and II (32.1%). Occlusal rests were most commonly used (72.4%). Indirect retention was mostly used in Class-I and II denture frameworks (95.9%).

Conclusion: The most commonly encountered partial edentulism pattern was Kennedy's Class I and II. Following basic principles of RPD design can help elevate the standards of removable denture treatment.