A radiographic correlation between systemic disorders and pulp stones.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between pulp stones and cardiovascular disorders, Type II diabetes mellitus, autoimmune disorders and dental wear defects. This study also aims to evaluate the frequency of pulp stone in population of Dakshina Kannada district (Karnataka, India) and to determine association of pulp stones in different sexes, tooth type, dental arches and sides. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 1432 teeth of five groups were examined, comprising of patients with C.V.S. disorders; Type II diabetes mellitus, autoimmune disorders, dental wear defects and control group. Teeth were examined under 2Χ magnification on radio visiograph (RVG) and conventional intra-oral periapical radiograph. The presence or absence of pulp stones were recorded. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Chi-square analysis was used to compare the frequency of occurrence of pulp stones between sexes, tooth type, dental arches and sides.
RESULTS: Pulp stones were found in 134 (9.35%) of 1432 teeth detected. Significantly, higher numbers of pulp stones were recorded in patients with cardiovascular disorder (15.86%) than other groups. The occurrence of pulp stones were significantly higher in molars (18.29%) than premolars (6.6%) and in maxillary arch (12.36%) than in mandibular arch (5.95%). No significant difference was found between sexes and sides.
CONCLUSION: Positive correlation was found between systemic disorder and pulp stones. Cardiovascular patients had maximum number of pulp stones followed by dental-wear defects and least number of pulp stones were evident in control group.