Question

A 50 year old patient with Kennedy’s Class III partially edentulous span needs a cast partial denture. What will be the nature of support for this prosthesis?

• A. Tooth supported
• B. Bilateral distal extension
• C. Tooth tissue supported
• D. Unilateral distal extension

Hint:

Kennedy Class III = Bounded edentulous space = Tooth-supported prosthesis.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding Kennedy’s Classification.
Kennedy’s Class III refers to a unilateral edentulous area with natural teeth present both anterior and posterior to the edentulous space.
This means the edentulous area is bounded by teeth on both sides.
Step 2: Nature of Support in Class III.
Since teeth are present on both sides of the edentulous span, the prosthesis derives its support entirely from the adjacent abutment teeth.
There is no distal extension into the mucosa-supported area.
Step 3: Elimination of Other Options.
Bilateral distal extension corresponds to Kennedy Class I.
Unilateral distal extension corresponds to Kennedy Class II.
Tooth-tissue supported prosthesis occurs in distal extension cases (Class I and II).
Class III is purely tooth supported.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Therefore, a Kennedy Class III cast partial denture is tooth supported.