The Extend of Root Angulation in Patients visiting a Dental School in South Kerala: A Panoramic Radiographic Study

Objective: To study the prevalence of root angulation through radiographic evaluation using panoramic radiographs and to record the extent of angulation among various teeth. Materials and methods: Panoramic radiographs of 506 patients within the age group of 18 to 70 years (196 males and 310 females) were subjected to a retrospective study for estimating the prevalence of root angulations of various teeth. The root angulations in mesial or distal direction from 20° onwards were measured. To test the statistical significance, Chi-square test was used. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) software, version 14. Results: From the 506 conventional panoramic radiographs screened, a total of 16,192 teeth were examined. Root angulations to the mesial or distal directions were seen in 269 teeth (1.66%). Maxilla (2.43%) showed more prevalence as compared to mandible (0.89%). Individual tooth analysis revealed that maxillary lateral incisors showed the highest percentage of angulation (6.12%). Mandibular incisors, maxillary and mandibular first molars showed the least percentage of angulation (0.29%). Highest degree of root angulations among individual teeth was seen in mandibular first and second premolars (81-90°). No statistically significant differences were observed between males and females (females: 34.8%; males: 29.1%, p = 0.21). Conclusion: Root angulation was most prevalent in the maxillary lateral incisors. The highest degree of root angulation was seen in the mandibular arch, among the mandibular premolars. Angulated roots of teeth influence the planning and execution of their extraction, endodontic, orthodontic and prosthodontic treatments. Orthopantomographs may be routinely employed to evaluate root angulations in large populations and when time and economic constraints are present.