Partial edentulism: pattern, distribution, relation to age and gender and prosthetic reconstruction for patients treated in dentistry clinics, Hail University

Abstract

Background: Edentulism is a common problem that affects patients’ daily activities. The prevalence and pattern of teeth loss could point to the condition of a patient’s oral health. This study aimed to assess the pattern and distribution of partial edentulism, its relation to age and gender, and prosthetic reconstruction for patients visiting the College of Dentistry, Hail University. Methods: It was a cross-sectional observational study. The sample comprised 384 patients. The data were obtained from the patients’ files and panoramic radiographs taken at the dental clinic at College of Dentistry, Hail University. Results: Around 67.7% and 72.9% of females were partially edentulous in maxillary and mandibular jaws, respectively. Furthermore, edentulous males were fewer than edentulous females. Moreover, there was a significant difference between patients’ age and Kennedy’s classification of the maxillary arch. There was a statistically significant difference between Kennedy classes I and III of the mandibular arch and the age groups, where p-value = 0.0001. Furthermore, the usage of removable prostheses was nearly absent in the young patients; its usage increased as the age increased. It was also observed that females underwent missing teeth replacement more than males. Conclusion: Edentulism increases with age, and a higher percentage of edentulism is seen in females as compared to males. Partial edentulism, Kennedy class III, is the most common form of edentulism. Patients are rehabilitated mostly by fixed prosthodontics followed by removable prosthodontics.