Classification of cervical burnout and its distribution in the dentition.

A retrospective analysis of 25 full mouth intra oral radiographs, including bitewing films was carried out from the hospital records of King Saud University College of Dentistry in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, A new classification of cervical burnout (CB) based on shape was attempted. Analysis of the data revealed greater frequency of CB in maxillary teeth (67.5%) than in the mandibular teeth (32.5%). The highest frequency among maxillary teeth was in incisors (75%), while the least was in the molars (30%). In mandible, the corresponding findings was in the canines (40%) and in the molars (15.3%). Seventy per cent of CB disappeared in bitewing view in maxillary and mandibular premolars while remaining teeth showed this phenomenon in less than 50% cases. It was concluded that the frequency of CB was greater in maxillary teeth than mandibular teeth. Maxillary incisors and mandibular canines are more likely to show CB. In molars and premolars, CB present in periapical radiographs may disappear in a bitewing view.