A Radiographic and Clinical Survey of Dental Anomalies in Patients Referring to Shiraz Dental School

Statement of Problem: Many epidemiological surveys have been conducted in different parts of the world to determine the prevalence of various types of dental anomalies. There are regional and ethno-racial variations in the prevalence of dental anomalies. Purpose: To assess the prevalence of dental anomalies in a group of Iranian dental patients in Shiraz dental school, Iran. Materials and Method: 414 dental patients referring to dental school and aged between 15-60 years old (257 female and 157 male) were examined clinically and radiographicaly for the presence of dental anomalies, using orthopanthomography. Data were collected and analyzed by Chi-square and Fisher exact tests. Results: Fluorosis was the most prevalent anomaly (7.72%) followed by missing of the wisdom teeth (7%), impaction of teeth (4.34%), microdontia (2.89%), missing of the mandibular second premolars (2.65%), supernumerary teeth (2.4%), missing of the maxillary lateral incisors (1.6%), dilaceration (1.44%), invagination (1.44%), and taurodontism (0.96%). Conclusion: In the comparison of these results with those of other studies, it was indicated that these anomalies occur at different frequencies among various countries and communities in the world. Recognizing these anomalies will facilitate the endodontic, prosthodontic, periodontic and surgical management of such teeth.