Prevalence of Tooth Number Anomalies in a Group of Turkish Children - A Retrospective Study.

Abstract

Background: Tooth number anomalies including hypodontia, hyperdontia, and hypohyperdontia-represent the most common developmental disturbances of dentition in children. Their prevalence varies by population, and early diagnosis is essential for comprehensive treatment planning. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of tooth number anomalies among paediatric patients aged 9-15 years in Aydın province, Türkiye.

Materials and methods: This retrospective study evaluated panoramic radiographs of children who presented to the Department of Paediatric Dentistry at Aydın Adnan Menderes University between December 2013 and July 2022. A total of 8,647 radiographs meeting the inclusion criteria were analysed. Hypodontia, hyperdontia, and hypohyperdontia were recorded.

Results: Tooth number anomalies were detected in 935 patients (10.8%). Hypodontia was the most prevalent anomaly (8.8%), followed by hyperdontia (1.9%) and hypohyperdontia (0.2%). Females showed a significantly higher prevalence of hypodontia ( P < 0.05), while no sex-related differences were found for hyperdontia or hypohyperdontia. A total of 1,475 missing teeth were identified, with mandibular second premolars being the most frequently absent. Among the 239 supernumerary teeth detected, the maxillary anterior region was the most commonly affected. Most patients with tooth number anomalies exhibited no additional dental anomalies; pegged laterals (3.3%) and taurodontism (0.3%) were observed only in hypodontia cases.

Conclusion: Tooth number anomalies are relatively common among children in Aydın, with hypodontia representing the predominant condition. These findings underscore the importance of early detection and timely management to prevent functional and aesthetic complications. Further large-scale and genetic studies are needed to clarify etiological patterns and regional variations.