Radiographic Study of Prevalence and Distribution of Hypodontia in a Pediatric Orthodontic Population in Venezuela

Purpose: This study's purpose was to determine prevalence and distribution of hypodontia in a pediatric orthodontic population in Caracas, Venezuela. Methods: A total of 607 dental records (radiographs, cost models, and photographs) from 5- to 11-year-old patients of an interceptive orthodontics clinic were studied for agenesis of permanent teeth. Patients with hypodontia of the third molars and syndromes of cleft lip or palate were excluded. Data were analyzed using t tests (=.05) and Peorson's chi-square (P=.001). Results: Hypodontia affected 25 patients (similar to 4%): 13 with unique and 12 with multiple tooth genesis. Females were more affected than moles (15:1). A total of 40 teeth were missing: permanent maxillary lateral incisors (40%); mandibular second premolars (similar to 23%); maxillary second premolars (15%); permanent mandibular lateral incisors (15%); and permanent mandibular second molars (similar to 8%). The maxilla was more affected (55%) vs the mandible (45%). Symmetrical hypodontia was exhibited by the maxilla, whereas the left premolar region was most affected in the mandible. Conclusion: The most affected tooth was the permanent maxillary lateral incisor, followed by the mandibular second premolar; symmetry was noted for hypodontia in the maxilla, and an inverse correlation was found between the maxillary and mandibular hypodontia. The overall results agree with other Latin American studies and differ from Caucasian or Asian populations. (Pediatr Dent 2012;34:113-6) Received June 10, 2010 vertical bar Last Revision August 5, 2010 vertical bar Accepted August 6, 2010