Prevalence and Characteristics of Distomolar Teeth Among Dental Patients of Dental Section Sandeman Provincial Hospital, Quetta

Background: A distomolar is a supernumerary tooth that is located distal to the third molars. They appear more frequently in men than in women. Several theories had been suggested to explain this phenomenon with the "Dental Lamina Hyperactivity Theory" to be the most accepted. Supernumerary molars (distomolars) are usually impacted. They can be associated with complications or stay asymptomatic. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the prevalence and characteristics of distomolar teeth among dental patients reported to the Radiology Department Dental Section Sandeman Provincial Hospital Quetta. Methods: This descriptive retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in Dental Radiology Department. Data were obtained from digital panoramic radiographs of patients who reported to the Radiology Department Dental Section in Sandeman Provincial Hospital Quetta from 1st January 2019 till 31st December 2019. Results: Among 500 panoramic radiographs 6 (0.012%) distomolars were noted, 4 (0.8%) were detected in maxilla 1 (0.2%) in mandible and 1 (0.2%) recorded in both jaws. 5 (1%) were noted impacted and only 1 (0.2%) was erupted. Morphologically 5 (1%) maxillary distomolars were tuberculated and 1(0.2%) mandibular distomolar was conical in shape. Conclusion: Even though the frequency of distomolars is low, the dental practitioner should always be aware of the presence of distomolars in radiographs or clinically.