Prevalence of dilaceration in Jordanian adults

Aim The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of dilaceration in a sample of Jordanian dental patients. Methodology The data were collected from examination of radiographs from a random sample of periapical films. In all, 4655 teeth from 814 dental records at the Faculty of Dentistry, Irbid, Jordan were evaluated. The films were viewed using a magnifying lens and an X-ray viewer. A tooth was recorded as having a dilaceration towards the mesial or distal direction if there was a 90degrees angle or greater along its long axis using a small ruler aligned along the pulp of the tooth. Dilacerated roots towards the buccal or lingual directions were determined by evaluating the appearance of a round opaque area with a dark shadow in its central region, cast by the apical foramen in which the root canal gave a 'bull's-eye' appearance. Results Dilacerations were recorded in 3.78% of the teeth examined. Mandibular third molar teeth were the most commonly affected (19.2%) followed by mandibular first molars (5.6%). The maxillary anterior teeth and mandibular incisors were least affected exhibiting dilaceration in approximately 1% of teeth. Two-thirds of the dilacerations were in the mandible and approximately 5% were in anterior teeth. Conclusion Dilaceration is not common, but it is an important dental anomaly that affects all teeth. Recognizing the condition will facilitate endodontic, orthodontic and surgical treatment.