Defects in the dentition: Kennedy classification

Changes in the sequence of the dentition can carry a violation of continuity and unity of teeth in the upper or lower jaw, and the causes of this phenomenon can be completely different. These are injuries, bruises, infectious diseases of the oral cavity, lack of proper treatment of caries, resulting in complications.

Classification of dentition defects by Kennedy

There are several ways to describe this pathology. The most common is the Kennedy classification. It is based on the following defects:

• The first group - the dentition is limited from both sides by the 5th or 6th tooth, with no chewing crowns;

• The second group - the dentition is shortened due to the absence of molars from one side or the other;

• The third group - the chewing crown is preserved, but there are no teeth in the side zone;

• The fourth group - the structure of the anterior part of the jaw is broken, in particular, there are no fangs or incisors.

If the Kennedy classification is used for diagnosis, orthopedics involve complicated treatment, since if there are several anomalies at once, the disease is assigned a lower group. Because of this, the plan for prosthetics changes. The same group may include different clinical cases.

The causes of defects in the dentition

There are several reasons that lead to the appearance of a problem (for their elimination, one should include a pathology to a certain group, for which the Kennedy classification exists):

1. Congenital anomalies, in particular, adentia (absence of teeth) due to illness of the mother during pregnancy, because of which the rudiments of the teeth may be absent, there may also be errors in the structure of the enamel, which is inherited.
2. The presence of bad habits. In children - the use of a pacifier and artificial feeding, sucking fingers, in adults, a habit of cracking nuts, for example pistachios, can lead to tooth loss.
3. Caries, in the event that it is not treated. A regular visit to the dentist will help keep the dentition safe and sound.
4. Inflammatory processes. In the formation of purulent inflammation of the tooth must be immediately removed. Lead to this may be periodontitis, cyst, periodontitis and other dental diseases.
5. Mechanical injuries, which is especially important at the age of 6-9 years. During this period, there is a change of milk teeth to the root, and a strong blow can lead to damage to the root.
6. Children's diseases, such as rickets, pneumonia, acute respiratory diseases that occur during the formation of teeth. They have a negative effect on the structure of the central incisors.
7. Presence of neoplasm in periodontium. If it is found, immediate extraction of the teeth is necessary. There may be new growths as a result of disruption of the thyroid gland, gastrointestinal tract, and also with a lack of vitamins.

Symptoms of defects

Classification of defects according to Kennedy suggests that the problem occurs as a result of tooth loss or its development. The symptoms depend on many factors:

• The exact location of the defect (these may be lateral or anterior teeth on the lower or upper jaw);
• Parameters of the flaw;
• Type of defect (may be included or end);
• Structures of bite;
• The age of the patient;
• The condition of the gums and the teeth present;
• Time from the moment of tooth loss to the beginning of treatment;
• Reasons for the appearance of a defect.

To identify a defect, you need to come to an appointment with a dentist who will conduct an examination and determine the problem. The main complaints from patients who force people to go to the doctor are:

• Malocclusion;
• Lack of full-fledged ability to chew food;
• Deformation of the jawbone;
• In some cases, violations of diction.

Elimination of the defect depends on the group of the disease, for which you need to use a certain scheme, and most often the Kennedy classification is used. Before denture or implantation, the dentist necessarily carries out professional cleaning of teeth, during which eliminates caries and eliminates any inflammatory processes.

Methods of prevention

An adult can independently take measures to prevent the appearance of defects, which can be diagnosed by classification according to Kennedy. The main enemy in this situation is caries, so adequate oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist are necessary. This applies to children. Parents can ignore the oral hygiene of a child with baby teeth, because they believe that they will still fall out and do not need care. But this is not so. Also, if an incorrect bite and supercomplete teeth are found, they must be treated on time. Ignoring any problems in the oral cavity can aggravate the situation and lead to tooth loss.