Resumo

SELAYARAN, Maicon et al. Prevalence of pulp nodules in Dental students' molar teeth and associated factors. RFO UPF [online]. 2013, vol.18, n.1, pp. 07-11. ISSN 1413-4012.

Objective: this study evaluated the prevalence of pulp nodules in dental students from the Federal University of Pelotas. The study also tried to establish associations between pulp nodules and elements such as caries, restorations, previous orthodontic treatment, and bruxism. Methods: an individual interview was applied to investigate the dental history and oral habits related to bruxism diagnosis. Every participant was submitted to clinical and radiographic examination. Two bitewing radiographs in the molar area were performed in each student and the frequency of pulp stones was assessed. The association between factors such as gender, age, restorations, caries, orthodontic treatment, and bruxism with the presence of nodules was assessed by the chisquare test and Spearman's correlation coefficient (p < 0.05). Results: a total of 101 dental students participated in the research. The age average of the participants was 22.75 years old. From the total of students, 69.3% presented pulp nodules. Considering the 762 teeth studied, 29.5% presented pulp nodules. Calcifications were more frequent in first molar teeth. A total of 45.5% of students were diagnosed with bruxism. There was no association between the occurrence of pulp stones and the following factors: bruxism, orthodontic treatment, and caries (p > 0.05). The results showed an association only between pulp nodules and restorative procedures (p = 0.009). Conclusions: it is possible to conclude that the prevalence of pulp nodules in the studied population is high, and it is mainly related to restorative procedures.

Palavras-chave : Dental pulp calcification; Bitewing radiography; Bruxism.