Pre-eruptive intracoronal radiolucencies in permanent dentition of children in Tamil Nadu-A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Pre-eruptive intracoronal radiolucency (PEIR) poses a challenge to paediatric dentists as it cannot be clinically detected.

AIM

To estimate the prevalence and coexisting factors of PEIR in permanent teeth of children and adolescents in western Tamil Nadu, India.

DESIGN

This cross-sectional study assessed 5012 digital panoramic radiographs of children and adolescents below 14 years of age obtained from private digital imaging centers, dental clinics, and dental colleges located in five districts of western Tamil Nadu. The prevalence and PEIR and its coexisting factors were assessed by two independent calibrated investigators. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test.

RESULTS

The subject prevalence and tooth prevalence of PEIR were estimated to be 3.2% and 0.4%, respectively. Maxillary canines and mandibular premolars were commonly involved. Majority of the lesions were limited to less than one-third of dentin thickness (74%) and distal aspect of the crown (45.1%). Ectopic positioning (9.3%) and dental caries in the preceding primary tooth (9.9%) were the most common coexisting factors.

CONCLUSION

Pre-Eruptive Intracoronal Radiolucency defects were commonly seen in maxillary canines, mandibular premolars, and distal aspect of the crown involving less than one-third dentin thickness. Ectopic positioning and caries in primary teeth were commonly seen along with the PEIR defects.

Prevalence of pre-eruptive intracoronal radiolucencies in Thai children and adolescents: A retrospective study

AIM

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence, location, size, and tooth type of pre-eruptive intracoronal radiolucencies (PEIR) from panoramic radiographs in Thai patients.

METHODS

A retrospective study of PEIR was conducted on 1599 panoramic radiographs of 629 Thai males and 970 Thai females with an age range of 4-20 years (average age: 14.0 ± 4.0 years). Each radiograph was reviewed by two calibrated examiners. The age and sex of the patients, location, size, and tooth type of the lesions were recorded. The SPSS program was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The PEIR were found in 0.32% of tooth samples (29/9060) and 1.63% of patients (26/1599). There was no statistical difference in the presence of PEIR between both sexes. The mandibular second molars were the most affected teeth. The lesions were mostly located at the central part of the crown. The lesion sizes were mostly limited to less than one-third of dentinal thickness.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study showed that the prevalence of PEIR in Thai samples is 1.63%. This could raise dentists' awareness in reviewing unerupted teeth in panoramic radiographs. Early detection of the lesions should aid in proper treatment planning of affected teeth to prevent complications from carious invasion after tooth eruption.