6533b827fe1ef96bd1285c0a

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Tooth agenesis in a Portuguese population.

subject

description

Summary Objective The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the prevalence and pattern of hypodontia in the permanent dentition, including and excluding third molars, in a Portuguese sample. Patients and methods The study group comprised 2888 patients, observed between 2005 and 2009 at the Dentistry Clinic of the Instituto Superior de Ciencias de Saude-Norte (ISCSN, Portugal). The patients were examined for evidence of hypodontia and presence or absence of deciduous teeth in those presenting agenesis. The age range varied from 7 to 21 years. In order to study the absence of the third molar, subjects under 14 years were excluded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS®. Results Excluding third molars, the prevalence of tooth agenesis was 6.1% for the Portuguese population. Tooth agenesis was found more frequently in females than in males, although this difference was not statistically significant (P > .05). The most commonly missing tooth was the mandibular second premolar, followed by maxillary lateral incisor, and maxillary second premolar. There was a significantly higher prevalence of missing third molars in the agenesis group than in the non-agenesis group. There was a correlation between second premolar and upper lateral agenesis with presence of their corresponding deciduous teeth. Conclusions The prevalence of tooth agenesis was found to be 6.1% for this Portuguese population and there was a correlation between agenesis and presence of deciduous teeth and between agenesis and missing third molars.