Frequency of Ponticulus Posticus in Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this work is to know the frequency of PP in a subpopulation of the city of Viña del Mar, Chile. What is the frequency of PP in cone beam tomography (CBCT)? Methods: This was a descriptive observational study of 722 CBCT scans. The presence or absence of PP was analyzed, and the Cederberg and Stubbs classification was used to determine the corresponding degree of ossification. Statistical analysis was performed to establish the relationship with age and gender using the Chi-square test. This study was approved by the Scientific and Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Dentistry, Andrés Bello University. Results: The frequency of PP was of 48.07%, with bilateral PP being more common (61.96%). In terms of laterality and degree of ossification, grade 2 of ossification predominated on both sides (right: 17.87%, left: 17.72%). A slight predominance of PP was observed in males (52.3%) compared to females (45.73%), but this was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). With respect to the frequency of PP and age range, it was observed in 50.75% of images of individuals over 41 years of age, 47.31% in those under 20 years of age, and 43.66% in those between 21 and 40 years of age, but these differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The presence of PP is common in the population and is not associated with age or gender.