Prevalence of Calcified Canals and Pulp Among Adult Population

Objectives: The calcification of root canals and pulp chambers can negatively impact endodontic treatment. The present study aims to evaluate the prevalence of calcified canals and pulp stones among patients attending the UNLV SDM clinics.
Methods: Keywords search of patients' clinical notes on axiUm™ software included the following "calcified canal," "calcified root canal," and "pulp stone" to identify the patients presenting with these conditions at UNLV SDM clinics. Inclusion criteria included patients suffering from calcified root canals who attended the SDM clinics from January 2012 to May 2022. Patients with a history of trauma and those with a limited number of diagnostically acceptable radiographs were excluded. Demographic data dental and medical histories were evaluated.
Results: Out of 575 potentially eligible patients, 360 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The total number of evaluated calcified teeth from the 360 patients was 1463. 64% of the patients were female, and the patient age distribution was as follows: 17.2% (18-34 yrs.); 16.8 % (35-44 yrs.); 15.5% (45-54 yrs.), and 35.3% (> 65yrs). Of the 1463 teeth recorded to have calcification, 63.4% were molars, and 89.4% of these molars were in the maxillary arch. 22.6% of the calcified canals were on the anterior teeth, and 40.6% of these teeth were lower incisors. No significant relation existed between race, medication, and calcified canals or pulp prevalence.
Conclusions: Within the limitations of the present investigation, there was a high prevalence of classified canals and pulp stones among females and patients over the age of 65, followed by the 18-34-year-old group. The maxillary molars and mandibular incisors presented with the most significant calcified canal and pulp stones. These findings have crucial implications on the successful endodontic treatment.