Prevalence of Type of Partial Edentulousness among the Population of Bhotenamlang, Sindhupalchowk, Nepal: An Observational Study

Background Edentulism (partial or total) is an indicator of the oral health of a population. The objective of this study was to assess prevalence of type of partial edentulism based on Kennedys classification among the population residing in Bhotenamlang, Sindhupalchowk, Nepal. This study also evaluated knowledge about dental prosthesis and the principal cause for loss of teeth among the study participants. Method Formulated closed ended questionnaire was made and convenient sampling technique was used for sample selection.250 patients participated in the oral health screening program and 160 were partially edentulous.128 participants fall on our inclusion criteria (participants age 15 years and above). After explaining nature of the study to participants, written informed consent were taken and structured questionnaire was filled up by the examining doctor. Education, pernicious oral habit, reason for loss of tooth and prosthetic rehabilitation were the individual variables accessed. Data obtained was entered and analyzed by IBM SPSS Statistics Version 20 software and statistical analysis was done. Results Kennedys Class III partially edentulous condition was most prevalent among the participants in both upper (43.8 %) and lower (52.3 %) arch. Caries alone (45.3 %) was the most common reason for tooth loss. Edentulism in upper arch was found to be inversely correlated to education levels of the participants. Conclusions Kennedys Class III was the most prevalent partially edentulous condition. Almost every participant knew about the different treatment modalities of partially edentulous condition but lack of proper center for dental care, poor socioeconomic conditions and high illiteracy rates were main factors restricting them from getting proper treatment. Conducting oral health outreach programs is one of the many necessary steps that need to be taken to improve oral health status of the population. It will provide adequate data on oral health status of the population which will serve as a basis for formulating future oral health programs and policies.