The prevalence of impacted and supernumerary teeth among Libyans attending a university hospital

Abstract

In this study, we examined the prevalence of impacted and supernumerary teeth in Libyans based on their age, gender, and type of teeth.: Data sources were 374 patients referred to the University Hospital at Benghazi and Almarj as part of this study, including their clinical records. Age, gender, the number of impacted/supernumerary teeth, the type and frequency of impacted/supernumerary teeth, and other variables were examined and processed.: A total of 374 patients were examined, of which 295 (78.8%) were female, and 79 (21.2%) were male, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:3.7. Among patients with impacted teeth, 194 (35.8%) had one, 134 (31.5%) had two, and 139 (32.7%) had three or more impacted teeth. Of 585 impacted teeth, there were only 23 premolars (3.93%), 10 supernumerary teeth (1.7%), 2 impacted molar (0.34%), 7 impacted incisors (1.19%), 2 impacted odontome (0.34%) and 2 impacted deciduous teeth (0.34%).: The third molars revealed the highest frequency of impaction (P<0.001), while the number of impacted teeth of the mandible was more than that of the maxilla (P<0.001). Among the most commonly impacted teeth, the maxillary canines were the most commonly impacted teeth and the mesiodens were the most frequent supernumeraries. To prevent malocclusion and malalignment of permanent teeth, it is crucial to detect supernumerary and impacted teeth early with panoramic radiographs.