Evaluation of Carabelli’s trait in a group of Turkish patients

Abstract

Dental morphological characteristics are useful for providing information in phylogenic and genetic studies and also for understanding variations within and among species. Carabelli cusp is expressed in several degrees and in different frequencies among humans; thus, it is helpful in comparing and characterizing populations. The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate Carabelli's trait (CT) in a group of Turkish patients. Materials and Methods: In this study, 213 patients between age of 14-65 (mean age 29.99 ± 10.04) were analyzed retrospectively according to presence or absence of CT on permanent maxillary first and second molars. All data were statistically analyzed using the IBM SPSS version 22 program (IBM SPSS, Turkey) and the chisquared test; p < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Prevalence of CT was found to be 47.9% in the selected Turkish group. Incidence of CT in any of the teeth on #16/26 was 46.9% and 4.2% on #17/27. Incidence was detected more on #26 (43.2%) than on #16 (40.4%). Bilateral presence of CT on #16/26 was detected in 78%. CT was seen in 50.7% of females and in 42.9% of males. There was no statistically significant difference between genders (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Expression of CT can be placed in moderate prevalence group. There was no sexual dimorphism in its occurrence in the studied group. CT can be a valuable criterion to determine differences among various populations and a significant insight into the migratory patterns in a selected geographical area.

The frequency and degree of expression of Carabelli’s trait on the permanent maxillary molars in a sample of Turkish individuals

“…Also, if the trait is present on the second and third molars it is likely that it will be found on the first molars as well (6,12,17,18,23,29,30,32). The total frequencies of the trait range from 0% to 25% for second molars (6,12,17,18,23,26,29,30,32,36), and from 0% to 17% for third molars (18,29,32) among various populations. The distal decreases in the frequency of the trait from the maxillary second deciduous molars to the third permanent molars have been attributed to environmental factors or epigenetic influences operating during their development, with latedeveloping teeth in a morphological field having greater environmental variability (16,29,37).…”

The presence/ absence of cusps of the Carabelli in patients presenting to the dental outdoor department in a teaching hospital in Multan, Pakistan.

“…Presence of such tubercle on the other molar tooth is less frequent. 2 These are usually bilateral and are more frequent in men compared to women though the difference is insiginificant. So gender does not have any significant association.…”

“…So gender does not have any significant association. 2,3 Studies have shown that its frequency varies among different populations. It may provide a clue for racial differences.…”

“…It may provide a clue for racial differences. 2 Literature showed that its frequency is highest in European population with its frequency varying between 51% to 90%. Its frequency is bit low in African, American, Indian and is lowest in arctic population.…”