A Radiographic and Clinical Survey of Dental Anomalies in Patients Referring to Shiraz Dental School

Statement of Problem: Many epidemiological surveys have been conducted in different parts of the world to determine the prevalence of various types of dental anomalies. There are regional and ethno-racial variations in the prevalence of dental anomalies. To assess the prevalence of dental anomalies in a group of Iranian dental patients in Shiraz dental school, Iran. 414 dental patients referring to dental school and aged between 15-60 years old (257 female and 157 male) were examined clinically and radiographicaly for the presence of dental anomalies, using orthopanthomography. Data were collected and analyzed by Chi-square and Fisher exact tests. Fluorosis was the most prevalent anomaly (7.72%) followed by missing of the wisdom teeth (7%), impaction of teeth (4.34%), microdontia (2.89%), missing of the mandibular second premolars (2.65%), supernumerary teeth (2.4%), missing of the maxillary lateral incisors (1.6%), dilaceration (1.44%), invagination (1.44%), and taurodontism (0.96%). In the comparison of these results with those of other studies, it was indicated that these anomalies occur at different frequencies among various coun-tries and communities in the world. Recognizing these anomalies will facilitate the endodontic, prosthodontic, periodontic and surgical management of such teeth.