Open AccessThe cusps of Carabelli: frequency, distribution, size and clinical significance in Nigeria
Author(s) -
O.O. Falomo
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
west african journal of medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 0189-160X
DOI - 10.4314/wajm.v21i4.28011
Subject(s) - medicine , molar , bilateralism , nigerians , population , orthodontics , dentistry , environmental health , political science , law , multilateralism , politics
In a population of 2,604 Nigerians, 454 (17.43%) showed the presence of the cusp of Carabelli in maxillary molars. Bilateralism in the upper first molars accounted for 70.71% of the total, while bilateralism involving the upper first and second molars simultaneously accounted for only 1.98% of the total. Unilateralism in the upper first molars accounted for 25.99%. There was no sexual dimorphism in its occurrence, but great variations were observed in the size of this structure. Its frequency of occurrence is compared with that of other population while its clinical significance is discussed.