The prevalence and distribution of the dental anomalies in the Turkish population

Abstract

Introduction: The incidence of developmental dental anomalies can provide valuable information. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence and distribution of dental anomalies in the Turkish population. Material and Methods: Totally 2203 patients who came to university hospital were examined clinically and radiographically for 10 dental anomalies: rotation, diastema, hypodontia, hyperdontia, microdontia, macrodontia, dilaceration, talon cusp, gemination and ectopia. Descriptive characteristics of these dental anomalies, including gender and regions of the jaw, were recorded. The data were analyzed with Chi-square test and Yates continuity correction. Results: In 1517 patients (68.9%), tooth anomaly was detected. Rotation was found in 58.4% of patients, significantly lower in the molar region than in the anterior and premolar regions (P < 0.01). Diastema was found in 22.7% of the samples, at higher rates in the anterior region than in the premolar and molar regions (P < 0.01). Dilaceration was observed 3.8% of the patients, at significantly higher rates in the molar region (P < 0.01). Ectopia was found in 2.9% of individuals, less common in the molar region than in the anterior and premolar regions (P < 0.01). Hypodontia was seen in 3.4% of patients, significantly lower in the anterior teeth than in the premolar and molar teeth (P < 0.01). Patients having talon cusp were 2.7%, microdontia was 1%, and only 0.5% showed the presence of hyperdontia. The distribution of hyperdontia and microdontia did not significantly differ between regions (P > 0.05). Gemination was seen in only one anterior tooth and macrodontia in only one premolar tooth. Discussion and Conclusion: Rotation is the most common dental anomaly in Turkish population, followed by diastema. Knowledge of the prevalence of anomalies may help clinicians to the detection of these anomalies at early stages.