Incidence of endodontically treated first permanent molar teeth among Saudi children subpopulation

Abstract

Aim and Objectives: A study was carried out among children to assess the incidence of endodontically treated first permanent molar (FPM) teeth during 4 years in Abha, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A convenient sample of 65 children, willing to participate was included in the study. Sixty-five children were selected for the study of age 6 years old, having erupted FPM teeth in all quadrants. The panoramic radiographs of the subjects were evaluated for sound, decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT), or endodontically treated FPM teeth. The same subjects were followed for 4 years and their orthopantomograms (OPGs) were taken at the age of 10 years. Their OPGs were again examined for sound, DMFT, and endodontically treated teeth. The mothers of these children were asked one question about their awareness regarding the importance of FPM teeth of their children. Data were put to statistical analysis. Results: It was found that all subjects at 6 years of age were having sound FPM teeth in all the 4 quadrants of their oral cavity. The overall incidence of endodontically treated FPMs was found to be 1.2% at age 10 years of the subjects. Conclusion: It was concluded that the incidence of endodontically treated FPM teeth was 1.2%. The incidence of root canal treatment was found to be more in the children whose mothers were not aware about the importance of FPM teeth.