Diagnostic imaging: Morphological and eruptive disturbances in the permanent teeth

Developmental dental anomalies assessed by panoramic radiographs in a Greek orthodontic population sample

PURPOSE

To assess developmental dental anomalies on panoramic radiographs in a Greek orthodontic population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The sample consisted of 1200 panoramic radiographs that have been taken as part of routine orthodontic treatment planning in children and adolescents. The following exclusion criteria were applied: systemic disorders such as syndromes or clefts, previous jaw surgery and poor quality of the radiograph. Dental anomalies were classified as anomalies of tooth shape, size, eruption-, position- or number anomalies or root alterations.

RESULTS

The age range of the subjects (536 males and 664 females) was 7-17 years with a mean age of 11.78 years. The prevalence of dental anomalies was assessed with a Chi-squared test. The intraobserver agreement was evaluated by calculating Cohen's [Formula: see text]. Among the 1200 digital panoramic radiographs examined, a total of 224 (18.67%) presented dental anomalies, 92 (7.67%) males and 132 (16.67%) females. Moreover, 203 patients (16.92%) had 1 dental anomaly, whereas 19 (1.58%) and 2 (0.17%) patients had 2 or more than 2 dental anomalies, respectively. Oligodontia was the most prevalent dental anomaly and was presented in 6.4% of the subjects, while supernumerary teeth were detected in 1% of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant number of orthodontic patients had at least one DDA. The most common DDA in this sample was oligodontia followed by impaction and supernumerary teeth. Comparison to our data with other studies revealed variation in their prevalence suggesting genetic and environmental influences.