Publication:

The prevalence of pulp stones in a Hazaribagh population: a radiographic survey

Background The goal of this retrospective study was to determine the prevalence of pulp stones in a Hazaribagh population. Any possible associations between pulp stones tooth type and dental arch were also evaluated.

Methods A total of 4625 teeth of 500 patients were examined in our department who came for diagnostic radiograph of posterior teeth. The presence or absences of pulp stones were recorded.

Results Pulp stones were found in 834 (18.03%) of 4625 teeth detected. The occurrence of pulp stones was most significant in among the age groups of 31-50 years of age.  The pulp stones were significantly higher in permanent maxillary first and second molars.

Conclusions Pulp stones are not only incidental radiographic findings of the pulp tissue but may also be an indicator of some serious underlying disease. On the other hand, they may provide useful information to predict about the susceptibility of patients for other dystrophic soft tissue calcifications such as urinary calculi and calcified atheromas.