A survey of approximal root concavities in an ethnic Chinese population

Eight hundred and forty teeth were surveyed, 60 approximal surfaces for each tooth type being studied. Approximal root concavities were completely absent in maxillary central incisors, in contrast with mandibular central incisors of which 73% had concavities on mesial surfaces and 93% on distal surfaces. Similarly, a markedly higher prevalence was found for mandibular lateral incisors and canines. However, mandibular first and second molars had fewer approximal concavities than their maxillary counterparts. In maxillary teeth, concavities were more frequent on distal surfaces, while for mandibular teeth no definite pattern was seen. In both maxillary and mandibular teeth, approximal concavities often started in enamel, extending down to the root surface. There were differences in the approximal root topography of Chinese teeth in comparison with other populations.