Prevalence of Hypodontia and Supernumerary Teeth in Patients Attending Private Pediatric Dental Clinic in Lebanon

Abstract

Purpose: Because of the high rate of agenesis and supernumerary teeth in orthodontic patients and the lack of studies in Lebanon that document the prevalence of those anomalies, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypodontia and supernumerary teeth in patients attending a pediatric dental office and examine the associated factors. Study design: This was a cross-sectional design study. The patients were clinically examined followed by panoramic radiograph. Two calibrated investigators have examined the radiographic films and diagnosed the dental anomalies. Tooth agenesis and supernumerary teeth were the outcome variables of the study. Tooth agenesis was diagnosed when there were no sign of crown calcification and no evidence or history of loss attributable to orthodontic treatment, caries, periodontal problems and dental trauma. Tooth agenesis and supernumerary teeth were the outcome variables of the study. Chi-Square tests and Fisher Exact tests were performed to assess the association between outcome variables, gender and presence of medical problem. Results: 334 participants (mean age 7.31±2.17 years) were included in the study. The presence of dental anomalies was not reported as a reason for dental visits. The rate of tooth agenesis was 8.7% in the whole sample, 9.9% among boys and 7.6% among girls with no difference (p=0.442). The rate of tooth agenesis was elevated in participant with medical problems (14.5%) compared to those with no medical problem (7.0%) (p=0.041). The rate of supernumerary teeth was 0.6% among boys and 0% among girls (p=0.485). Conclusion: Oral anomalies could be detected relatively at early age. It can help in a long-term and effective treatment planning. Early diagnosis and appropriate follow-up with panoramic radiograph is extremely important to avoid maxillofacial deformity and other complications.