Prevalence of Dental Caries, Periodontal Diseases, and Periapical Pathoses among Patients attending a Tertiary Dental Care Center in Central Gujarat: A Hospital-based Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction Dental caries and periodontal disease are the two globally leading oral infections. There is considerable variation in the prevalence of these diseases. Also, these may lead to various periapical pathoses like periapical abscess, cysts, and so on. These may be attributed to differences in age, gender, sample size, geographical distribution, and protocol followed for diagnosis. Objectives To estimate the prevalence of dental caries, gingivitis/periodontitis, and periapical pathoses in patients of all ages in a dental institute in central Gujarat. Materials and methods After obtaining approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee, a hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out in a dental institute of central Gujarat. A total of 4,642 patients were screened, out of which 2,849 subjects were included in the present study. Intraoral examination was done under all aseptic conditions by using a diagnostic set of instruments by trained professionals and the status of the pathology recorded according to the standard procedure. Data were stored in an Excel spreadsheet for analysis. Results It was observed that dental caries/pulp pathoses were more prevalent in the younger age group with mean age 23.1 years. All the other pathoses were observed among the middle age group (above 35 years). Overall prevalence of dental caries/pulp pathoses, gingivitis/periodontitis, and periapical pathoses was observed in 54.8% of males as compared to 45.2% females. Conclusion The current study collected significant data for the prevalence of three different odontogenic oral lesions in the central Gujarat geographical location at a tertiary level. There is male preponderance in the prevalence of these diseases in general. There is a need to generate awareness about oral health and the prevention of dental caries and gingivitis/periodontitis and to institute measures for the provision of dental care services at the primary level. How to cite this article Joshi M, Tailor M, Pala A. Prevalence of Dental Caries, Periodontal Diseases, and Periapical Pathoses among Patients attending a Tertiary Dental Care Center in Central Gujarat: A Hospital-based Cross-sectional Study. Int J Experiment Dent Sci 2016;5(2):89-92.