A RADIOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF THE PREVALENCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF PULP CALCIFICATION

The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and distribution of pulp calcification between various teeth conditions. In a certain time we assessed all periapical films which were taken by the patients who came to the İstanbul University Faculty of Dentistry. Based on the examination of periapical films of 400 teeth, teeth were classified according to tooth types (molar, premolar, canine, incisor), dental status (intact, carious, restored), dental arch (maxillary, mandibular) and dental side (left, right). Pulp calcifications were scored as present or absent. Chi-square analyses were used to compare the frequencies of occurrence of pulp calcification between tooth types, dental status, arches and sides. Calcifications were found in 42 (10.5%) subjects. Calcifications were found in 25 (20.83%) of 120 molars, in 7 (5.65%) of 124 premolars, in 1 (1.61%) of 62 canines and in 9 (9.57%) of 94 incisors. Calcifications were found in 15 (8.29%) of 181 intact teeth, in 15 (12.3%) of 122 carious teeth and in 12 (12.37%) of 97 restored teeth. Calcifications were found in 28 (11.38%) of 246 maxillary teeth and in 14 (9.09%) of 154 mandibular teeth. Calcifications were found in 21 (10.55%) of 199 teeth on left side and 21 (10.45%) of 201 teeth on right sides. The frequencies of calcifications were higher in molars than premolars, canines and incisors (p 0.001). No significant differences were observed between dental status and pulp calcification occurrence. No significant differences were observed between dental arches and pulp calcification occurrence. No significant differences were observed between dental sides and pulp calcification occurrence.