IMPLICATIONS OF CLINICAL-BIOLOGICAL FACTORS IN THE TREATMENT PLANNING OF PATIENTS WITH EXTENSIVE PARTIAL EDENTULISM: TWO-STEP CLUSTER ANALYSIS

Siminiuc Petruţa, Agop-Forna Doriana, Dascălu Cristina, Forna Norina

Abstract

Aim of this study was to evaluate the differences and similarities in the characterization of systemic and clinical-biological factors in patients with extensive partial edentulism as well as the influence of clinical-biologic factors in the planning of prosthetic treatment. Materials and method. Clustering analysis was conducted on 194 patients (mean age 56.46 years ± 0.738 years) with extensive partial edentulism. The clinical-biological indices of systemic status and prosthetic field (dental support; periodontal support; bone support; mucous support; occlusion support; mandibulo-cranial support) were evaluated both initially and after the completion of the pre- and pro-prosthetic stages. Two-Step Clustering method related the clinical-biological indices to the fixed and removable prosthetic solutions. Results. According to clinical-biological indices, patients were grouped in 4 clusters (pre-treatment) and 3 clusters (secondary stage). Following pre- and pro-prosthetic stage, demographic differences emerged alongside shifts in prosthetic preferences, with notable patterns such as Cluster 1 favoring metal framework partial dentures with clasps and Cluster 2 increasing the use of composite dentures with rigid or semi-rigid RPD frameworks. Conclusion. The dynamic relationship between cluster profiles and prosthetic treatment choices is influenced by demographic and clinical-biologic factors across treatment stages.

DOI: 10.62610/RJOR.2025.1.17.74