INVESTIGATION OF THE PREVALENCE OF HYPODONTIA IN THE PERMANENT DENTITION OF CHILDREN

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and distribution of congenital tooth deficiency in the pediatric patient population in Erzincan region. In this study, digital panoramic radiographs of 1421 children (714 girls, 707 boys) aged 6-12 years who applied to the Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Clinic of Erzincan Oral and Dental Health Education and Research Hospital were examined. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate the number and rates of missing teeth, and the chi-square test (p0.05). It was determined that mandibular second premolars were the most frequently missing teeth, followed by maxillary lateral teeth and maxillary second premolars. Hypodontia frequency was observed as 5.70% in patients living in Erzincan region. Accordingly, digital panoramic radiographs taken in children over 6 years of age who apply for dental examination are of great importance for the diagnosis and detection of possible hypodontia. Early diagnosis of congenitally missing teeth plays a crucial role in treatment planning that provides patients with lower costs and more accurate occlusion in the future.