Distribution of retained dental root on panoramic radiographs from a Dental Hospital in Surabaya, Indonesia: A forensic odontology perspective.

BACKGROUND

Retained dental roots (ROV) represent a frequent but underexplored radiographic finding with clinical and forensic relevance. Their presence can potentially serve as valuable antemortem markers for postmortem identification.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of retained dental roots on panoramic radiographs in an Indonesian population and to assess their association with age, sex, and tooth region from a forensic odontology perspective.

METHODS

A total of 4796 digital panoramic radiographs obtained at the Universitas Airlangga Dental Hospital in 2024 were retrospectively reviewed. A retained root was defined as the loss of more than half of the vertical crown structure, following the INTERPOL AM Dental Data code (ROV). Descriptive and non-parametric statistical analyses were performed using Jamovi software (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

Overall, 35.4% of patients presented with at least one ROV, with median values ranging from one to three roots across age groups. The number of ROVs increased significantly with age (p < 0.001) but showed minimal sex-related differences. Posterior molars, particularly mandibular first molars, exhibited the highest prevalence (9.7%), while mandibular first incisors showed the lowest (0.8%).

CONCLUSION

Retained dental roots were a common radiographic finding that increased with age and predominantly affected the posterior sextants. Although not reliable for sex estimation, their distribution patterns and preserved root morphology hold forensic significance for antemortem-postmortem matching and potential DNA recovery. Integration of radiographic, clinical, and molecular data is recommended for future population-based forensic studies.