Pulp Stones - a Retrospective Study on Polish Population

Objectives: The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to determine the prevalence and correlations between pulp stones (PSs) and gender, age, tooth type, dental arch or quadrant, presence of caries and direct/indirect restoration and the periodontal status. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was used for detection.
Methods: A total of 450 CBCT images were assessed. Collected data included: age, gender, the tooth location, the presence of pulp stones, direct restoration, decay, single crown, abutment of fixed bridge, the quality of the restoration and stages of periodontitis was statistically analyzed with chi-square test, p<0.05. The target of the study was the adult Polish population, including both males (183) and females (267) of 20-80 years.
Results: Pulp stones were detected in 1192 (12.31%) of the 9683 teeth examined. PSs were observed in 62.67% of patients. There was found no correlation between the gender and frequency of denticles in adult population. The highest prevalence of PSs was detected in patients aged 31-40 years, the lowest in 71-80 years. However, the inverse correlation was detected between the age and number of PS. As the age increased, the number of PSs decreased. The maxilla exhibited a significantly higher incidence compared to the mandible (p<0.05), but no significant difference between the left and right quadrants was detected p>0.05). Among the examined teeth, molars showed the highest and premolars the lowest detection rate. The higher prevalence of PSs was significantly associated with the presence of tooth restoration and/or dental caries when compared to sound teeth (p<0.05). There is no significant difference between the incidence of PSs when compared periodontal conditions, i.e., healthy vs. periodontally involved (p>0.05).
Conclusions: Age, maxilla, molars, presence of tooth restoration and/or dental caries were associated with increased prevalence of PSs.
Clinical Significance: CBCT examination, if indicated, should be implemented to provide adequate information to clinicians about the prevalence of PSs.