Prevalence of dental developmental anomalies in patients attending a faculty of dentistry in Ajman, United Arab Emirates

Objective: To determine the prevalence of dental developmental anomalies among patients visiting the dental clinics at Ajman University, United Arab Emirates. Material and Methods: This retrospective study consisted of 425 digital panoramic radiographs. The study sample included people in the United Arab Emirates who have visited the outpatient dental clinics at the Faculty of Dentistry, at Ajman University. These OPGs have been evaluated for the presence of dental anomalies such as: Macrodontia, Microdontia, Talon cusp, Taurodontism, Dilaceration, Ectopic Eruption, Supernumerary teeth or roots, Fusion, Gemination, and Concrescense. Results: 80.7% had at least 1 anomaly, with the maximum of 5 anomalies presented in 1.2% of the sample. Dilacerations were the most commonly identified anomaly (61.4%), followed by missing third molars (22.8%), and Ectopic Eruption (15.5%) where (12.9%) of this anomaly has affected the maxillary canines. Hypercementosis (10.2%) followed by Microdontia (4.6%), which was mostly seen in the Upper laterals. Taurodontism accounted for (4.1%), Macrodontia (2.3%) and Talon cusp (2.3%). Gemination, Dens Invaginatus, and Concrescence were separately present in 1.1%, each one, of the cases observed. Conclusion: Variations in data and results among different studies suggest the impact of racial, genetic and environmental factors. The high frequency of dental anomalies emphasize the need of early detection and diagnosis which can be achieved through radiographic imaging, this would aid in further awareness to minimize any means of complexity in dental problems.