A study on pulp stones in a group of the population in Andhra Pradesh, India: An institutional study

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of pulp stones in a group of the population of Andhra Pradesh. This study also aims to determine the association of pulp stones in different sexes, tooth type, dental arches and sides and with systemic diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 4449 teeth of 2000 patients were examined, comprising of patients with C.V.S. disorders; Type II diabetes mellitus and gastritis were examined. Patients were selected from the radiology department who came for diagnostic radiograph of posterior teeth. The presence or absences of pulp stones were recorded. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical analysis of the data was done using the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS 15.0-SPSS Inc., 233 South Waker Drive, 11(th) floor, Chicago, IL 60606-6412.) using Chi-square analysis. Differences were considered as significant when P ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: Pulp stones were found in 799 (17.9%) of 4449 teeth detected. Significantly, higher numbers of pulp stones were recorded in patients with systemic diseases. The occurrences of pulp stones were significantly higher in maxillary first and second molars. No significant difference was found between sexes and sides. CONCLUSIONS: Positive correlation was found between systemic disorder and occurrence of pulp stones.