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Association Between DMFT Index and Sinonasal Anatomical Variations in Children: A Retrospective Cone-Beam Computed
Mehmet Veysel Kotanlı1, Mehmet Emin Dogan2, Şeyda Alkan2
1Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Harran University, Sanliurfa 63300, Türkiye.
Background/Objectives:
This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the association between decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) scores and sinonasal anatomical variations, including Haller cells, concha bullosa, and the direction and severity of nasal septal deviation in children.
Methods:
Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 167 patients aged 6-17 years were retrospectively analyzed. The direction and severity of nasal septal deviation, presence of Haller cells, presence and subtypes of concha bullosa, and DMFT index were evaluated. Nasal septal deviation was categorized as mild (<9°), moderate (9-15°), or severe (≥15°). Concha bullosa was classified as lamellar, bulbous, or extensive. DMFT scores were assessed radiologically using reconstructed panoramic images, without intraoral clinical examination data. The DMFT index was calculated only for permanent teeth.
Results:
Among the 167 patients, 87 were male and 80 were female. Mild nasal septal deviation was the most common type, observed in 63.5% of cases. Lamellar concha bullosa was the most frequently detected subtype on both sides. No statistically significant association was found between concha bullosa or Haller cells and DMFT scores (p > 0.05). However, a significant positive ordered trend was observed between increasing nasal septal deviation severity and DMFT scores (p = 0.004).
Conclusions:
Increased nasal septal deviation severity was associated with higher DMFT scores in children. However, because of the retrospective design and radiological assessment of DMFT, this association should be interpreted as a potential relationship rather than a causal effect.
