Retrospective Evaluation of Tooth Agenesis in Different Regions of Turkey with Panoramic Radiography.

Abstract

Objectives: Dental agenesis refers to the absence of one or more teeth, occurring in both primary and permanent dentitions. It can result in several complications, impacting functional aspects of the dentition, such as chewing and speech. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of agenesis of permanent incisors, premolars, and third molars in patients aged 8-18. The prevalences were compared according to age, gender, and the regions they live in.

Material and methods: This study was conducted in the Central Anatolia and Mediterranean regions of Turkey. It included data from 593 patients, 304 females and 289 males. The study involved a retrospective evaluation of the patients' orthopantomographic images. Descriptive statistics were employed for the analysis.

Results: In the study, the prevalence of incisor agenesis among all patients was 2.4%. Premolar agenesis was found in 3.9% of patients, with the mandibular second premolar being the most commonly missing premolar (missing in 19 patients). The prevalence of third molar agenesis was 19.9% (118 patients). Incisor and premolar agenesis were more common in the Central Anatolia region than the Mediterranean region, whereas third molar agenesis was more prevalent in the Mediterranean region. In both regions, the left mandibular premolar was the most frequently missing premolar tooth, and the left maxillary third molar was the most frequently missing third molar tooth.

Conclusion: This study presents a thorough analysis of the prevalence and distribution of tooth agenesis, with a particular focus on incisors, premolars, and third molars. The results emphasize the necessity of considering gender differences and specific tooth locations in the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to tooth agenesis.