Prevalence and Morphological Variations of Ponticulus Posticus among North Karnataka Population: A Digital Lateral Cephalometric Study

Aims and Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence and type of ponticulus posticus (PP) in patients of the North Karnataka population who reported for dental treatment to an institution. Materials and Methods: A total of 1000 digital lateral cephalographs were assessed for the presence, type of PP, gender predominance, and prevalence of each type of PP in either gender. Data obtained were tabulated and subjected to descriptive analysis. Results: PP had a prevalence rate of 27.3%, among which Grade II PP were observed in 60 (17.1%) males and 114 (17.6%) females, Grade III in 13 (3.7%) males and 30 (4.6%) females, and Grade IV in 22 (6.3%) in males and 34 (5.2%) females. While estimating the predominant gender in each grade, females displayed a higher incidence of Grade III (4.6%) compared to males (3.7%), and males displayed a higher incidence of Grade IV (6.3%) compared to females (5.2%). No statistically significant difference between males and females was found in the prevalence of PP or in the grading of its ossification ( P = 0.823). Conclusion: Among the North Karnataka population, PP was found to be a relatively common anomaly and the trivial form of PP (Grade II) was found to be more prevalent as per our study. A thorough knowledge about the impact of the occurrence of PP is very crucial for an oral healthcare professional to facilitate a better treatment or appropriate referral for the patient.