Cumhuriyet Dental Journal (Mar 2015)
A retrospective observational study of the frequency of distomolar teeth in a population of 14.250 patients
Abstract
OBJECTIVESThe supernumerary teeth that occur distally to a molar tooth described as “distomolar” teeth. Supernumerary teeth were found more often in the maxilla than in the mandible. They may erupt normally or remain impacted and appear inverted. Distomolar teeth are generally seen smaller than second or third molars and most of them are impacted The aim of this study is to determine the frequency, location, and shape of distomolar teeth in a population of urban Turkish adults.MATERIAL AND METHODSA retrospective observational study was conducted on 14.250 patients’ panoramic images, with the documentation of demographic data, the presence of distomolar teeth, their number and morphology.RESULTSThe presence of distomolars in this population was found to be 0.32%. In total, 55 distomolar teeth were detected in 45 patients. All distomolars were found in maxilla and majority of them were impacted (n=51, 92.7% of the distomolars). 19 distomolars were found bilaterally in nine cases (0.06%). In one patient, two distomolars were detected in the maxilla in which one in left and the other in the right side.CONCLUSIONSDistomolars, which described as a supernumerary tooth distal to the third molar, are rare occurring dental anomalies. Because of that clinicians should make a careful investigation of panoramic radiographs.
