Prevalence and distribution of dental anomalies in a paediatric population based on panoramic radiographs analysis

To evaluate the frequency and distribution of dental anomalies (DA) in a paediatric population.

Panoramic digital radiographs of children between 6 and 12 years old performed at a reference centre for radiographic exams were accessed. Two calibrated examiners evaluated the radiographs. The association between variables and outcomes was assessed using non-parametric tests. The significance level was set at 5%.

Five hundred and twelve individuals were included and 61.3% presented at least one DA. The mean age of patients with DA (9.35±1.60) was significantly higher compared to patients with no anomalies (7.90±1.58). Patients with supernumerary tooth, however, were significantly younger. The most frequent DA were permanent tooth radicular dilacerations (38.1%), permanent tooth agenesis (29.3%), supernumerary tooth (6.4%) and impacted tooth (6.4%). Anterior teeth and female patients were more affected by radicular dilacerations. Dental agenesis was more frequent in the third molars followed by the upper lateral incisor.

DA are quite frequent in the paediatric population and the most common DA observed herein could only be identified through imaging exams. The most appropriate timing to perform an investigation for the detection of dental anomalies appears to be between 9 and 10 years old.