Background: Pulp nodules, also known as Pulp stones, are a
complex biological phenomenon characterised by the abnormal accumulation of
mineralised tissue within the dental pulp. Only nodules larger than 200 μm in
diameter are radiographically visible. Due to the variation in previous results
and the limitations of earlier studies based on conventional radiographs, there
is a need for more accurate diagnostic tools.
Aims: The aim of the study is to evaluate the prevalence of
mineralised coronary pulp nodules by cone beam computerised tomography (CBCT)
and explore any potential correlation between the occurrence of pulp nodules
with gender, age, tooth, arches, and condition of the dental crown.
Methodology: CBCT scans of 300 patients, totalling 631
molars, were assessed. CBCT scans were collected from a private radiology
clinic in Brazil between August 2017 and July 2018. All maxillary and
mandibular molars were analysed in the sagittal, axial and coronal planes, and,
when present, pulp nodules were identified as a round or oval hyperdense mass.
Statistical analysis was conducted using chi-square tests, with a significance
level set at 5% through Sigma Plot software (version 12.0).
Results: Of a total of 300 patients, pulp nodules were
identified in 35% of subjects and in 25.5% of molars. The presence of pulp
nodules was most frequently found in females (41.1%) than in males (27.7%) and
in individuals aged over 60 years. The first upper molars showed the highest
incidence of pulp nodules. No significant difference was observed when
maxillary and mandibular arches were compared, either side. The presence of
pulp nodules was higher in restored molars when compared to intact teeth
(P<0.05). Within the observed teeth with pulp stones, 70 molars had a
round-shaped nodule, while 91 were oval-shaped.
Conclusion: CBCT is an efficient resource for the diagnosis
and location of pulp nodules and may be used to assist clinicians in planning
the safest endodontic approach. Understanding the prevalence and distribution
of pulp nodules regarding gender and type of teeth is paramount for the proper
design of root canal treatment. The main limitation of the study is its
single-centre data evaluation, highlighting the need for future multicenter
studies from different regions of the country, with larger sample sizes and
greater population diversity.
Author(s) Details
Ana Maria Veiga
Vasques
Department of Restorative Dentistry, Endodontics Section, Araçatuba School
of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (FOA/UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil.
Ana Laura Ribeiro
Ruiz
Department of Restorative Dentistry, Endodontics Section, Araçatuba School
of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (FOA/UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil.
Gabriele Oliveira
Amaral
Department of Restorative Dentistry, Endodontics Section, Araçatuba School
of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (FOA/UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil.
Ana Cláudia Rodrigues
da Silva
Department of Restorative Dentistry, Endodontics Section, Araçatuba School
of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (FOA/UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil.
Gustavo
Sivieri-Araújo
Department of Restorative Dentistry, Endodontics Section, Araçatuba School
of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (FOA/UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil.
Rogério de Castilho
Jacinto
Department of Restorative Dentistry, Endodontics Section, Araçatuba School
of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (FOA/UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil.
João Eduardo
Gomes-Filho
Department of Restorative Dentistry, Endodontics Section, Araçatuba School
of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (FOA/UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil.
Luciano Tavares
Angelo Cintra
Department of Restorative Dentistry, Endodontics Section, Araçatuba School
of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (FOA/UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil.
Eloi Dezan Júnior
Department of Restorative Dentistry, Endodontics Section, Araçatuba School
of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (FOA/UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil.
Carlos Roberto
Emerenciano Bueno
Department of Restorative Dentistry, Endodontics Section, Araçatuba School
of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (FOA/UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil.
Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/msraa/v12/6361