Computed Tomographic Analysis of Associations Between Pulp Stones and Demographic and Tooth-Related Factors in a North China Population.

PURPOSE: To investigate the associations between pulp stone occurrence and age, gender, dental arch, and tooth types in the North China population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS AND MATERIALS: CBCT images were selected based on inclusion criteria: complete permanent dentition (28 intact teeth) and absence of systemic diseases. A total of 335 patients aged 20-40 years were included. Prevalence of pulp stones was compared across age, gender, dental arch, and tooth type. Associations with demographic and tooth-related variables were examined using generalised estimating equations (GEE). RESULTS: Pulp stones were detected in 28.4% of patients and 6.2% of teeth. 92.6% of affected patients had multiple stones, and 53.4% exhibited complete bilateral symmetry. Prevalence was significantly higher in females than in males, and in the maxillary arch than in the mandibular arch (both P 0.05). Molars, particularly maxillary first molars, were most frequently involved (P 0.008). No significant left-right or age- related differences were observed (P > 0.05). GEE analysis indicated that the occurrence of pulp stones was 1.25 times higher in the maxillary arch than in the mandibular arch, 2.05 times higher in females than in males, 19.28 times higher in molars than in incisors, and 4.14 times higher in canines than incisors. CONCLUSION: Pulp stones were more frequently observed in females, maxillary teeth, and first molars, showing no significant association with age or arch side but a tendency for multiple and symmetric occurrence within individuals.