THE PREVALENCE OF PARTIAL EDENTULISM AND PATIENT PREFERENCES IN PROSTHODONTIC CARE IN THE POPULATION RESIDING AT KHEDA DISTRICT, GUJARAT- A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of partial edentulism according to Kennedy’s classification and Applegate’s modification, and the type of prosthetic rehabilitation most preferred by the participants. Materials and Method: The study included 500 patients seeking prosthodontic treatment at the Department of Prosthodontics, Dharmsinh Desai University, Nadiad. In the first phase, clinical examination and intraoral photographs were used to classify partial edentulism based on Kennedy’s classification and Applegate’s modification. The second phase assessed the type of prosthetic rehabilitation most commonly preferred by the participants. Statistical analysis used: Mann-Whitney U test. Categorical variables were analysed using chi-square test or Fisher's exact test Results: Class III in maxilla was 33.09% and in mandible was 24.42%, across all age groups, reaching 100% prevalence in individuals above 80 years, with no significant gender difference (p>0.05). Conclusion: Kennedy’s Class III was the most common partial edentulism in both arches and all age groups, with higher prevalence in females. Removable partial dentures were the most preferred treatment.