DefinePK

Research Objective

To determine the frequency of congenitally missing third molars in orthodontic patients.

Methodology

Retrospective study conducted at the Department of Orthodontics, Abbottabad International Dental College. Data was collected from patient files from the past seven years (February 2021 to November 2021), including pre-treatment Orthopantomogram (OPG) radiographs. Inclusion criteria were non-syndromic patients aged 13 years and above with a history of missing teeth. Patients with confirmed extraction history or incomplete records were excluded. A total of 1400 files were studied, with 105 files showing congenitally missing third molars. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 24, with the Chi-square test applied to find frequencies and associations.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD;
    A[Obtain Ethical Approval] --> B[Collect Patient Records from Archives];
    B --> C[Include Files from Past 7 Years];
    C --> D[Identify Congenitally Missing Teeth from OPGs and History];
    D --> E[Exclude Patients with Extraction History or Incomplete Records];
    E --> F[Analyze Data using SPSS v24];
    F --> G[Apply Chi-square Test for Frequencies and Associations];
    G --> H[Report Results and Conclusions];                    

Discussion

The study confirms that third molars are the most frequently missing teeth. The higher prevalence in the maxilla compared to the mandible aligns with previous research. The lack of a significant gender correlation in this study is also consistent with some prior findings. The overall prevalence rate of 7.5% for congenitally missing third molars in this orthodontic patient population is discussed in the context of findings from various global populations.

Key Findings

Congenital absence of third molars was highly significant in the maxilla and mandible (p-value <0.001). Congenitally missing third molars were more prevalent in the maxilla (78.05%) than in the mandible (55.2%). No significant difference was found among genders regarding the frequency of missing third molars.

Conclusion

Congenitally missing third molars are more prevalent in the maxilla than in the mandible. There is no significant relationship between gender and the occurrence of congenitally missing third molars.

Fact Check

1. Study Period: The data collection and article completion occurred between February 2021 and November 2021. (Confirmed)
2. Sample Size: A total of 1400 files were studied, and 105 files showed congenitally missing third molars. (Confirmed)
3. Prevalence in Maxilla vs. Mandible: The study found congenitally missing third molars in 78.05% of maxilla cases and 55.2% of mandible cases. (Confirmed)

Mind Map