The prevalence of dental agenesis, supernumerary teeth and odontoma in a Chinese paediatric population: an epidemiological study.

BACKGROUND

Dental agenesis, supernumerary teeth and odontoma collectively exert a significant impact on the aesthetics and function of patients. Studies have shown that early detection and intervention may alleviate complications.

METHODS

Panoramic radiographs and medical records of 5,015 patients aged 5.5-13.9 years who underwent paediatric dentistry at the Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Fujian Medical University between 2013 and 2022 were retrospectively reviewed for dental agenesis, supernumerary teeth and odontoma. All data were analysed using SPSS 26.0.

RESULTS

The total prevalence of dental agenesis, supernumerary teeth and odontoma was 11.31%. The most common congenitally missing teeth were mandibular lateral incisors. The absence of one to five teeth was observed in 341 cases (6.80%). The congenitally missing teeth identified in this study were more commonly observed in the mandible, and in the anterior teeth. The prevalence of supernumerary teeth was 4.03%, and they were most frequently observed in the maxilla. The prevalence of odontoma was 0.26%, and it was more frequently observed in the maxilla than in the mandible.

CONCLUSION

Paediatric cases in China have a relatively high prevalence of dental agenesis, supernumerary teeth and odontoma, which entails a detailed examination and a further significance in the development of a sound treatment plan for children at an early age.