Unusual incidental findings on intra- and extra-oral radiographs in North Indian Population: A radiographic study

Abstract

Aims and Objectives: To detect the prevalence of unusual incidental findings on intra- and extra-oral radiographs in North Indian Population: A radiographic study. Methods: All the intra- and extra-oral conventional dental radiographs were analyzed for the period of 2 year along with the radiographic findings related to patient's chief complaint. Results: A total of 6780 conventional intra- and extra-oral dental radiographs were screened and 90 radiographs showed incidental findings. A total of 10 varieties and 95 numbers of incidental findings were noted, 50 (55.55%) affected mandible, and 24 (44.44%) affected maxilla. Out of 90, 44 (48.88%) were bony findings and 46 (51.11%) were dental findings. Most common type of incidental pathology was idiopathic osteosclerosis. The most uncommon type of incidental pathology was regional odontodysplasia with 35 (38.88%), 25 (27.77) cases of cysts, 16 cases of supernumerary teeth (17.77%), 9 (10%) cases of sinus abnormality, 4 (5.40%) of each findings were of odontome, dense in dente, internal resorption, and calcifications. About 1 (1.11%) of each findings were regional odontodysplasia, focal cemental dysplasia. Conclusions: Conventional radiography is still most commonly used tool to primarily investigate lesions quickly with low cost to patient and then further diagnostic and advanced radiological or other examinations can be performed for comparison, periodic follow up, management, and research purposes.