Prevalence assessment of root dilaceration in permanent incisors

Abstract

Introduction: Root dilaceration is a dental anomaly characterized by an abnormal curvature of the dental root, which can cause problems during eruption and complications in the orthodontic and endodontic treatment or extraction. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of root dilaceration in permanent incisors in an oral radiology clinic in the city of João Pessoa / PB, Brazil. METHODS: The sample consisted of 548 patients who allowed assessments of their dental radiographs, a total of 3,948 examined teeth. Each tooth was examined according to the occurrence of root dilaceration, regarding type (mild, moderate or severe), root third that it was in and direction of the root. The angle formed by the root deviation in relation to the long tooth axis was obtained by means of a diagram printed on transparent acetate, placed over the radiograph. RESULTS: The results were analyzed with SPSS software (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 13.0, performing an exploratory data analysis. The prevalence of root dilaceration in the studied sample was 1.03% (41 cases), with higher incidence in males (65.8%), being the superior lateral incisor the most affected teeth (78%). The most prevalent type of root dilaceration was the mild one (73.1%), occurring more in the apical third (90.2%) and with distal direction of the root (95.1%). CONCLUSION: Considering these results, it is emphasized the importance of performing a diagnostic radiographic examination prior to planning a treatment in permanent anterior teeth. © 2012 Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics.