Association of pulp stones among patients with addictive habits – A descriptive cross-sectional study

Abstract

Aim: The study aimed to determine the association of pulp stones among patients with addictive habits in comparison with healthy individuals without any addictive habits. Materials and Methods: A total of 240 patients were included in the study, i.e., 120 patients with addictive habits and 120 healthy individuals without addictive habits. Bite-wing projection of the intact or sound teeth of one side, i.e., either right or left side of the first and second molars of the upper and lower arch was obtained. The presence or absence of pulp stones was observed for the selected teeth. The Chi-square analysis was used to evaluate and compare the occurrence of pulp stones among patients with addictive habits and healthy individuals of a similar age group. Results: Of the 960 teeth examined from both groups, 111 (11.56%) teeth had pulp stones. Pulp stones were observed among 43 patients with addictive habits and in 30 healthy individuals. The occurrence of pulp stones was higher in the first molar followed by the second molar and in the maxillary than in the mandibular arch. Conclusions: No significant association was observed with the occurrence of pulp stones among patients with addictive habits, but a significant association was noted with respect to duration of habit.