A study on a dental morphological variation. Tubercle of Carabelli.

ABSTRACT

Tubercle of Carabelli is a dental morphologic trait found on the mesiopalatal surface of maxillary deciduous second molar and maxillary permanent first molar crowns. Tooth with Tubercle of Carabelli is susceptible to dental caries. Tubercle of Carabelli also interferes with banding techniques during fixed orthodontic therapy. The aim of this study is to determine the distribution of this dental morphologic variation with its forms of expressivity in the maxillary deciduous second molars and maxillary permanent first molars and also to determine the dichotomous nature of this trait. Study models of 648 subjects were evaluated for the presence of the trait and its expression. 67.5% of maxillary deciduous second molars and 52.77% of maxillary permanent first molars displayed the trait. There is predominance among females in the prevalence in the maxillary deciduous second molars. Mild and moderate forms expressed in maxillary deciduous second molars is mostly the same as that of maxillary permanent first molars.