Maxillary incisor root morphology in patients with nonsyndromic tooth agenesis: A controlled cross-sectional pilot study

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the association between root morphology of maxillary incisors and nonsyndromic tooth agenesis in patients compared with a control group without agenesis. Methods: This controlled cross-sectional pilot study (1:4) was performed with a random sample of 335 records from Brazilian applicants for orthodontic treatment, paired by sex and age. Panoramic and periapical radiographs were analyzed to diagnose tooth agenesis and to assess root morphology. The agenesis group (n = 67) included patients with nonsyndromic tooth agenesis, and the control group (n = 268) included patients without tooth agenesis. The statistical analysis included the Student t test and z test, conditional logistic regression, and odds ratio estimates. Results: Occurrence of root morphological changes was significantly higher among patients with agenesis (P<0.05). Significant morphological changes (short, blunt, apically bent, and pipetteshaped roots) were found in the roots of remaining teeth when comparing agenesis and control groups (P<0.05). Patients with agenesis were more likely to show root morphological changes (odds ratio, 74.23; 95% confidence interval, 16.93-325.46; P<0.001). Conclusion: Patients with agenesis are more likely to present root morphological changes, which should be considered to minimize problems during orthodontic treatments.