Introduction

Tooth loss can disrupt masticatory ability and often impacts a patient’s general health and quality of life. Among the variety of means to classify tooth loss, the Kennedy’s classification is perhaps the most popular. The use of removable partial denture made of acrylic, based on Kennedy’s classification of tooth loss may restore oral function and is therefore expected to increase patient’s masticatory ability. However, not all patients wearing a denture show improved masticatory ability after using removable partial denture.

Material and methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 30 patients at the Rumah Sakit Khusus Gigi dan Mulut, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Indonesia (subjects aged 20 years and over), who used only a removable partial denture. Subjects’ data were obtained, and an interview to assess masticatory ability was conducted.

Results

There was a significant impact (p = 0.00) of using a removable partial denture on tooth loss based on Kennedy’s classification of masticatory ability. Kennedy classes 1 and 2, classes 2 and 3, and classes 2 and 4 removable partial dentures had a significant impact on masticatory ability. There was no significant difference between sociodemographic factors (age, gender, educational level, and income level) on tooth loss and masticatory ability.

Conclusion

The use of removable partial dentures based on Kennedy’s classification may increase patient’s masticatory ability.