Kennedy’s Classification of the Partially Edentulous Arch Flashcards
skipped
Requirements of a Classification
System:
(4)
• Allows visualization of the type of arch
• Permits differentiation between types of
support
• Serves as a guide for design
• Is universally accepted
— number determines the
classification
Lowest
Kennedy Class 1
Bilateral edentulous areas located
posterior to the remaining natural teeth
Kennedy Class II
A unilateral edentulous area located
posterior to the remaining natural teeth
Kennedy Class III
A unilateral edentulous area with
natural teeth remaining both
anterior and posterior to it
Kennedy Class IV
A single, but bilateral (crossing the
midline) edentulous area located
anterior to the remaining natural teeth
Modification Space
• Edentulous areas
other that those
determining the
classification.
Applegate’s Rules
Eight rules governing the
application of the Kennedy
Classification system
Rule 1
Classification should follow
rather than precede any
extractions of teeth that might
alter the original classification
Rule 2
If a third molar is missing and is not
to be replaced, it is not considered
in the classification. Generally,
third molars are not replaced with
a RPD.
Rule 3
If a third molar is present and is to be
used as an abutment, it is considered
in the classification.
Rule 4
If a second molar is missing and is not to
be replaced, it is not considered in the
classification. Generally, if the first
molar is present and the second and
third molars are missing, the second and
third molars are not replaced.
Rule 5
The most posterior edentulous area
(or areas) always determines the
classification.
Rule 6
Edentulous areas other than those
determining the classification are
referred to as modifications and are
designated by their number.
Rule 7
The extent of the modification is
not considered, only the number
of additional edentulous areas is
considered.
