Aim

To describe the frequency and location of dental pathologies and anomalies (number anomalies, tumors, cysts and retained dental pieces) observed in panoramic radiographs of pediatric patients between 6 and 15 years of age from the Hospital Especializado en Odontología Infantil “Dr. A. Bollini” from the city of La Plata.

Materials and methods

A descriptive observational study was performed based on 300 panoramic radiographs of children (150 girls and 150 boys) between 6 and 15 years old, randomly selected in the Radiology area of the hospital, taken in the period between March 2018 and March 2020. The data obtained were entered into spreadsheets and a descriptive statistical analysis was carried out. The following variables were evaluated: age, sex, type of anomaly or pathology (anomalies of number, tumor, cysts and retained dental pieces), dental piece and location (maxilla or mandible).

Results

Among the registered anomalies (n=147), retained dental pieces were found to a greater extent, in 44.22% of the cases (n=65), agenesis in 42.18% of the cases (n=62) and supernumeraries in 13.61% of the cases (n=20). No cysts or tumors were found.

Conclusion

In 24% of panoramic radiographs of children between 6 and 15 years old, some dental anomaly was found. The most frequent anomalies were retained dental pieces and agenesis.