Abstract:
Background. Partial edentulism causes functional and aesthetic imbalances by reducing masticatory
efficiency, producing occlusal changes, and affecting aesthetic perception, which frequently motivates
patients to seek fixed prosthetic rehabilitation.
Objective of the study: To evaluate the distinctive characteristics of the methods used for functional and
aesthetic rehabilitation of partial edentulism by means of dental bridges.
Material and methods. The study had a retrospective design and was conducted at the University Dental
Clinic No. 2, Department of dental propedeutics “Pavel Godoroja”, during the period 2022–2026, through the
analysis of a group of 16 patients with Kennedy Class III partial edentulism treated prosthetically with fixed
dental bridges. The evaluation included clinical examination, paraclinical investigations (radiographs and
study models), recording the data in the patients’ medical records, and the application of a questionnaire to
assess patient satisfaction with the rehabilitation.
Results. The retrospective study included 16 patients with partial edentulism rehabilitated with fixed dental
bridges, with a mean age of 53 years. All cases were represented by intercalated edentulous spaces of Kennedy
Class III and IV, with a predominance of Class III (75%) compared to Class IV (25%). Clinical and
radiological examination revealed favorable conditions of the abutment teeth and appropriate marginal
adaptation of the prosthetic restorations, without immediate complications. The level of patient satisfaction
was high: 81.25% declared themselves very satisfied with the treatment, 87.5% reported an improvement in
masticatory function, and 75% considered the aesthetic outcome to be very satisfactory. The results indicate
the effectiveness of fixed dental bridges in the functional and aesthetic rehabilitation of intercalated edentulous
spaces.
Conclusions. Rehabilitation of Kennedy Class III partial edentulism with fixed dental bridges remains a
frequently applied option aimed at restoring function and aesthetics, with the need for post-therapeutic
monitoring and preventive measures to maintain periodontal health and reduce caries recurrence.
