CLASSIFICATION OF RPDs AND PARTIALLY

EDENTULOUS ARCHES

INTRODUCTION

 While numerous classification systems were proposed, few met the needs of the profession.
 Some classification systems were overly simplified, while others were immensely complex.
 It was decided that for a classification system to be acceptable, it should:

1. Allow visualization of the type of partially edentulous arch being considered

2. Permit differentiation between tooth-supported and tooth-tissue–supported partial dentures

3. Serve as a guide to the type of design to be used

4. Be universally accepted

Various classification systems are-

1. Cummer’s
2. Kennedy’s
3. Kennedy’s and Applegate
4. Bailyn’s
5. Friedman’s
6. Craddock’s
7. Skinner’s
8. Fiset’s
9. ACP classification

Kennedy classification

 The most widely used method for classification of partially edentulous dental arches was
proposed by Dr Edward Kennedy of New York in 1925.
 Although relatively simple, the system can easily be applied to nearly all semi-edentulous
conditions.
 The Kennedy Classification System is composed of four major categories, denoted Class I
through Class IV.
 The numeric sequence of the classification system was based partly on the frequency of
occurrence, with Class I arches being most common and Class IV arches least common.

Partially edentulous arches are divided into four classes:

1. Class I: Bilateral edentulous areas located posterior to the remaining natural teeth
2. Class II: A unilateral edentulous area located posterior to the remaining natural teeth
3. Class III: A unilateral edentulous area with natural teeth located both anterior and posterior to
it
4. Class IV: A single but bilateral (crossing the midline) edentulous area located anterior to the
remaining natural teeth
Applegate’s Modification (Kennedy–Applegate Classification System)
The Kennedy classification has been modified by Applegate with the addition of two more
groups.
5. Class V: Tooth-bounded edentulous area where the anterior abutment is a weak (e.g., lateral
incisor) abutment that is incapable of providing support for a conventional RPD and
edentulous space is long.
6. Class VI: Tooth-bounded edentulous area but restoration can be a fixed partial denture,
because the edentulous space is short and abutments are capable of providing support for a
denture

Applegate’s Rules
Certain rules have been provided by Applegate to govern application of the Kennedy classifi cation. 1.
The classification should include only natural teeth involved in the definitive dentures and should
follow rather than precede extraction. (Classification is identified after extraction(s).)
2. If the third and second molars are missing and not to be replaced, they are not considered in the
classification. But if they are present and used as an abutment, they are considered in the
classification.
3. The main classification is determined by the most posterior area (or areas).
4. Edentulous areas other than those determining classification are called “modification,” and the
number of modification spaces is considered, not their extent.
5. Modification spaces can be included in Class I, II, and III. Class IV can have no modification.
Limitations of Kennedy classification

1. Edentulous areas have no individual representation.

2. Number of teeth missing in modification spaces and condition of abutment teeth is not
elaborated.

Implant-Corrected Kennedy Classification System

 Modification to the original Kennedy designation is done. The letter I added to the original
Kennedy designation would communicate the change from the conventional tooth-tissue–
borne situation to one that is now tooth-implant–borne.
 Tooth numbers that correspond to implant locations in combination with the traditional
Kennedy classification can be used effectively to describe the mechanical result of implant
placement.
 The number of implants in parentheses according to their position in the arch (according to
the FDI numbering system) preceded by the number sign (#) (e.g., ICK I mod. 2 (# 16, 27)