Dental Anomalies in a Sample of Lebanese Children: a Retrospective Study.

Background: Dental anomalies (DAs) represent a significant chapter in pediatric dentistry with a lot of practical relevance. Both primary and permanent dentitions may be affected.

Objective: The main objective of our study was to evaluate, using digital panoramic radiographs, the prevalence, distribution, and patterns of DAs in a sample of Lebanese children aged between 8 and 15 years old.

Methods: 112 digital panoramic radiographs of patients aged between 8 and 15 years (60 males and 52 females) from the year 2017 till 2022 attending the department of Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health at the Faculty of Dental Medicine at the Lebanese University were assessed for DAs of number (hypodontia, oligodontia, hyperdontia), of size (microdontia, macrodontia), of shape (fusion, gemination, dilaceration, taurodontism), of position (transposition, ectopia, impaction), and of structure (dentin dysplasia, amelogenesis imperfecta, dentinogenesis imperfecta). The data were analyzed statistically using Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests.

Results: Out of 112 patient radiographs, 84 showed at least one DA, which suggests a very high prevalence (75%). Among them, 36.9% exhibited multiple types of anomalies. These 84 patients showed a total of 274 DAs, distributed equally among males and females.

Conclusion: Dentists should be alerted to the presence of DAs. Their high prevalence requires careful clinical and radiological examinations for early detection. Regular monitoring is mandatory and could guide preventive approaches to minimize associated dental complications.