Evaluation of radiographic features of embedded primary molar roots in adult Turkish population.

BACKGROUND The roots of primary molars were found in the permanent dentition without symptoms on the clinical or radiographic examination. However, their incidence could not be achieved on the current literature. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to evaluate the radiographic features of the embedded primary molar roots in adult dentulous patients in Turkey. MATERIALS AND METHODS The data, from 5000 adult patients, including panoramic radiographs and demographic information, were evaluated retrospectively. The prevalence and location of the primary molar roots in the jaws were determined, as well as the prevalence and location of the primary molar roots in the adjacent permanent root levels. RESULTS Among 5000 Turkish population dentulous patients, 20 retained primary molar roots (0.38%) were found in 19 ones. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of the primary molar roots in the present study was found to be lower than that of the previous study. This finding may result from the larger amount of patient data that was evaluated in this study, which used panoramic radiographs.