Dilaceration among Nigerians: prevalence, distribution, and its relationship with trauma

– Dilaceration is the result of a developmental anomaly in which an abrupt change in the axial inclination between crown and root is observed. Its prevalence in various races is different and its association with history of trauma is controversial. This study assessed the prevalence and distribution of dilacerated teeth among Nigerians and also investigated whether there was a relation between a history of trauma and teeth that had dilaceration. A total of 465 records of adult attendees (involving 706 teeth and 256 films) were retrospectively studied. Dilacerated teeth were scored using Hamasha et al.’s criteria. Dilaceration occurred more often in the maxilla, posterior teeth and in women, though no association between a history of trauma and occurrence of dilaceration was found. Prevalence of dilaceration in the population and in all teeth was 4.5% and 2.97%, respectively. Dentists should pay detailed attention to baseline radiographs, especially in maxilla and posterior teeth.