Saudi Endodontic Journal (Jan 2011)
A Radiographic Assessment of the Prevalence of Pulp Stones in Saudi Adults
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of pulp stones in a group of patients using radiographs, and to assess any associations with age, gender, tooth type, jaw, caries, restorations, attrition and periodontal disease. A total of 600 patient charts (319 males and 281 females) were selected randomly amongst patients referred to the Oral Diagnosis and Radiology Department, College of Dentistry, king Saud University. Bitewing radiographs were examined. The age of the evaluated patients ranged from 16 to 56 years old. Both maxillary and mandibular premolars and molars were evaluated. Frequency and distribution of teeth with pulp stones was calculated and statistical analysis was performed with chi-square test. Pulp stones were identified in 10.2% of the teeth examined. Molars had statistically more pulp stones than premolars (P<0.001). Teeth with attrition, first molars and patients of old age showed statistically more pulp stones. It was concluded that the prevalence of pulp stones increased with age and was significantly higher in molar teeth than premolars. The features of pulp stones noted in this study may provide additional information about the dental morphological features of Saudis.
