Assessing the Prevalence of Pulp Stones by Cone Beam Computed Tomography in a Population in North of Iran

Background and purpose: Pulp stones are calcified masses in the pulp chamber or root canals. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) can identify crown and root anatomy and also detect calcifications which may help to achieve a better diagnosis. The goal of this study was to determine the frequency of pulp stones in CBCT images. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, 500 CBCT images in Babol, north of Iran were included. Pulp stones were detected by NNT viewer software in axial, coronal and sagittal dimensions by the presence of a round or oval appearance of a single dense mass in the pulp cavity or root canals. Parameters such as age, sex, type of tooth and jaw and side involved, condition of the tooth (healthy, decayed/repaired), and location of pulp stone (crown and cervical, middle, apical one third of the root) were identified and recorded in a checklist. Data were analyzed by SPSS V22 applying Independent Samples T-test and Chi-square test. Results: The mean age of participants was 38.80±14.35 years. Pulp stones were reported in 71 individuals (14.2%) and 119 teeth (0.93%). The frequency of pulp stones was significantly higher in women, maxilla, molars, healthy teeth, and crown pulp (P< 0.05). The frequency of pulp stones was not significantly different between the left and right sides (P= 0.343). Findings showed no significant difference in mean age between people with and without pulp stones (P= 0.334). Conclusion: In this study, the prevalence of pulp stone was low and they were more common in women, maxillary, molars, healthy teeth, and crown pulp.