Purpose:

 The purposes of this study were to: (1) identify, within the literature, reports on the prevalence of supernumerary teeth that have used panoramic radiographs (PRs) as a diagnostic tool and (2) reanalyze the prevalence data based on the current sensitivity figures for PRs in identifying supernumerary teeth.

 Methods:

  A comprehensive literature search in three databases identified 16 potential studies, of which seven were included in the final analysis. Based on the recent sensitivity data for PRs in identifying supernumerary teeth, the equation “P=r/q” was derived to reanalyze the prevalence data. Multiple regression analysis and paired t test were employed for the statistical analysis.

 Results:

  The prevalence figure ranged from 1.2 percent to three percent, and, subsequent to the application of the adjustment factor, it increased to range from 2.4 percent to six percent. The prevalence figures for males was significantly higher than for females (RR=1.37). Furthermore, due to insufficient studies, statistical analysis was unable to elicit ethnical differences in the prevalence figures.

 Conclusions:

  The prevalence of supernumerary teeth is higher than indicated in the published reports and ranges from 2.4 percent to six percent or possibly even higher.

 Source: Journal of American Academy of ‍ Pediatric Dentistry

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