Distribution and influencing factors of pulp stones based on CBCT: a retrospective observational study from southwest China.

backgroundPulp stones are a type of pulp calcification, the presence of which tends to hinder endodontic treatment. Thus, this retrospective study aimed to analyze the distribution of pulp stones in the population in southwest China and identify the influencing factors. MATERIALS: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 5066 teeth of 200 patients (91 males and 109 females) aged 16-45 years were evaluated. Pulp stones were marked as either present or absent when distinct radiopaque masses were found in the pulp cavity, then evaluated the occurrence of pulp stones with regard to tooth type, sex, age group, and contact it with tooth status. The Pearson chi-square test and nonparametric test were used for statistical analysis.

resultsPulp stones were detected in 49.0% of patients and 7.4% of teeth, respectively. The incidence in females was 1.9 times higher than in males (OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.1-3.3, p = 0.001). Pulp stones were most prevalent in patients 36-45 years of age. Furthermore, in the age range of 16-45 years, the likelihood of finding pulp stones increased 1.1 times per year with age (OR = 1.1, 95% CI = 1.0-1.1, p = 0.032). A higher incidence of pulp stones was observed in the maxilla and molars. Of the 5066 teeth studied, pulp stones were more common in non-intact teeth.

conclusionNearly half of the population in southwest China had pulp stones. Pulp stones were found significantly more often in females, maxilla, and non-intact teeth, and their frequency increased with age. For dentists, understanding the distribution of pulp stones is crucial for the proper design of root canal treatment (RCT).

trial registrationThis study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Southwest Medical University (certificate number: 20220818001).