Prevalence and distribution of selected developmental dental anomalies in Taif, Saudi population.

Abstract

Background: Developmental dental anomalies are seen as abnormalities in tooth size, shape, position, and structure due to multiple reasons during various stages of tooth development. These anomalies can create disturbances in dental arch lengths and occlusions. Hence, it is very important to treat, recognise and perform proper treatment. The purpose of this study was to find out the prevalence and distribution of selected developmental anomalies in shape, size and position of teeth in the Saudi population of Taif Region.Design and Methods: The study was based on the clinical examination of 2481 adults who are Saudi nationals came for dental treatment from September 2019 to February 2020, at Taif University Dental Hospital, Saudi Arabia. These patients were examined clinically for developmental dental anomalies affecting shape, size and position.Results:We found that a total of 512 individuals (20.63%) had developmental anomalies and out of which 386 persons (15.56%) had at least one developmental dental anomaly. The frequency and distribution of anomalies of shape and size, number and position were 46.8%, 26.9% and 42.9% respectively. In the present study, 15.56% individuals exhibited at least one anomaly, 8.54% subjects had more than one anomaly and 79.36%.did not any developmental anomaly. On comparison, statistically significant results were seen between different groups of anomalies.Conclusions: The present study had varying results for the prevalence rate of selected dental anomalies. This variation in results might be due racial differences or discrepancy in sample size or/and diagnostic or inclusion criteria. Treatment of developmental anomalies necessitates a multidisciplinary approach and mostly may comprise of orthodontic correction or prosthetic replacement. Significance for public health The assessment of prevalence and distribution of dental anomalies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is very much required. These dental anomalies are significant and show no symptoms, seen on careful examination. These mostly result in malocclusion, change in eruption, increased vulnerability to caries, compromised esthetics and problems in permanent teeth, difficulties in endodontic or surgical procedure of the affected tooth, so on. It is very essential to take care of these anomalies, if not can produce disturbances in maxillary and mandibular dental arch and occlusions. Further, these might pose complication in planning the orthodontic treatment. Hence to know the prevalence rate and distribution of such anomalies will help various dental faculties/specialists to identify and recognize prevailing dental anomalies early and perform proper treatment planning. There are no such studies in adult populations of Saudi Arabia. This study has indicated that about 20% of the participants had dental anomalies and was observed more in males of about 63.3%.