A Retrospective Analysis of Removable Partial Denture Design in Partially Edentulous Patients Attending a Dental Teaching Hospital

Removable Partial Dentures (RPDs) remain a widely used treatment modality for the rehabilitation of partially edentulous patients. Understanding the distribution of Kennedy classifications and the patterns of RPD design is essential for improving treatment planning and dental education. This study aimed to retrospectively analyze RPD design characteristics among partially edentulous patients attending a dental teaching hospital.

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using patient records from October 2015 to April 2022. A total of 551 partially edentulous patients aged over 20 years were included. Demographic data, Kennedy classifications, Direct retainers, and Major connector designs were collected and analyzed. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were performed using STATA version 14.2, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Among the 551 patients, 67.5% were female, and 32.5% were male, with a mean age ranging from 43.4 ± 12.6 years. Kennedy Class III was the most prevalent classification overall, particularly in the maxillary arch, whereas Class I was more frequently observed in the mandibular arch (p < 0.0001). The Akers’ clasp was the most commonly used direct retainer (45.6%), whereas the RPI clasp was predominantly associated with Kennedy Class I cases (64.6%). The mid-palatal strap was the most common maxillary major connector (59.8%), and the lingual bar was the most frequently used mandibular major connector (77.8%). Sex-disaggregated analyses showed a significant association between age groups and Kennedy classification in female patients (p = 0.007), but not in male patients (p = 0.06).

The findings demonstrate distinct patterns in the distribution of Kennedy classifications and RPD design elements within the studied population. These patterns reflect established prosthodontic design principles and may assist clinicians and educators in optimizing RPD treatment planning and training.

Kennedy Class III was the predominant classification among partially edentulous patients, with Aker clasps, mid-palatal straps, and lingual bars representing the most frequently selected design components. The observed associations between arch type, classification, and design characteristics provide valuable information for evidence-based RPD design and dental education.