The Diversity in Dental Pattern in Indian Population: An Orthopantomogram Based Retrospective Study.

Aim and Objectives: To evaluate and identify the diversity of dental patterns in the Indian population based on specific patterns and measurethe incidence of dental diversity in the full dentition, as well as maxilla and mandible individually in Indian population.Materials and Methodology: 600 digital Orthopantomogram were randomly selected from the department of oralradiology satisfying theestablished criteria. The code was given to each tooth and collective dentition on the radiograph formed the dental pattern of that particular individual.The diversity in the dental pattern was measured and assessed for their distinctiveness. Moreover, the 3rd molar angulations were taken as a criterionand their prevalence was measured.Results: The diversity of dental patterns observed for full dentition, maxilla and mandible were found to be 99.8, 99.6, and 99.7%, respectively. Thecomparison of dental patterns between maxilla and mandible showed highly significant results. On comparing patterns among males and females,rd statistically insignificant results were obtained. Moreover, the impacted 3 molars were noted to be more commonly present in the mandible and wereof the vertically impacted type.Conclusion: Identification by dental characteristics can have a variety of conclusions like identification without discrepancy, consideration of apossibility of identification, insufficient to reach a conclusion and definite exclusion.In addition, this study strongly promotes the need for maintainingand periodic updating of patient records in every dental setting.