Prevalence of Missing First Permanent Molars in a Selected Population in a University Dental Clinic Setting: A Retrospective Radiographic Study

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of missing first permanent molars (FPMs) in the 7–29-year-old selected population of Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed 398 panoramic radiographs of patients aged from 7 to 29 years old for missing FPM. Patients were divided into two age-groups: 7–15 and 16–29 years old. Study variables including gender, age, missing FPM, dental arch, and right or left sides of the arch were recorded. The data were statistically analyzed using Chi-square tests. RESULTS: Of the total study sample, 23.1% of patients had only one missing FPM, 13.3% of patients had two, and 2.8% of them had three missing FPM teeth. No patient had four missing FPM teeth. A total of 60.8% (242) radiographs in the overall sample did not show any missing teeth. The mandibular FPMs (35.2%) were found missing more frequently than their maxillary counterparts (17.4%) and the left mandibular quadrant showed a higher rate of missing FPM (21.9%). No statistically significant association was seen between the missing FPM and the gender or age-group (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The high prevalence rates of missing FPM in the study population warrants attention. Further prospective studies are needed to comprehensively evaluate the effect of early loss of the FPM on space changes in the arch and subsequent reduction in complex orthodontic treatment needs. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Almugla YM. Prevalence of Missing First Permanent Molars in a Selected Population in a University Dental Clinic Setting: A Retrospective Radiographic Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(2):269–272.