The
Quality of Oral Rehabilitation in the Partially Edentulous South Indian Population:
A Cross Sectional Study
1478-1480
Correspondence
KR Geetha Prabhu, MDS,
Reader, Dept. of Prosthodontics,
Thai Moogambigai Dental College and Hospital,
Mogappair, Chennai-600 107
Phone: 09840891669
E-mail: drprabhu77@gmail.com
Purpose of the study: To assess the prevalence of the partially edentulous condition and the current treatment modalities in the south Indian population and to plan for further scope of improvement.
Materials and Methods: A clinical examination was done on patients who reported to the Department of Prosthodontics and the cases were assessed for the prevalence of partial edentulousness amongst the arches and the type of removable prostheses which were given. The data was analyzed by using descriptive statistics.
Results: Partial edentulousness is equally prevalent in the mandibular and the maxillary arches. Kennedy’s Class I is the most common maxillary arch, whereas Class III is the most common mandibular arch. 96.9% of the removable prosthesis was made of acrylic resin frameworks and 3.1% was made of cast metal frameworks.
Conclusion: Non-metallic, removable prostheses remain a common prosthodontic treatment modality in the south Indian region. This data indicates a need to improve the quality of oral rehabilitation for the partially edentulous patients in south India.