Prevalence of carabelli's tubercle in dentistry students

Abstract

Carabelli's tubercle is a dental morphological feature that can vary in size and shape, with relevant clinical and anthropological implications. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Carabelli's tubercle in first-semester dentistry students at the Universidad Regional Autónoma de los Andes (UNIANDES), located in Ibarra, Ecuador, considering factors such as gender and place of residence. An observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional design was used, with a sample of 120 students selected by convenience. Dental impressions were taken using alginate, and the obtained models were evaluated to identify the presence of the tubercle. The results showed significant variability in prevalence according to place of residence: some localities presented a frequency of 100 % (Cayambe, San Antonio, and San Roque), while others did not exhibit this trait (Tulcán, San Gabriel, Quito, Cotacachi, Urcuquí, and Salinas). Regarding gender, women showed a slightly higher propensity to have Carabelli's tubercle compared to men, although this difference was not significant. These findings highlight the influence of geographic and ethnic factors on the expression of the tubercle, positioning it as a valuable marker for local population studies. It is concluded that the prevalence of Carabelli's tubercle varies considerably between regions and genders, underscoring the importance of conducting regional research to optimize clinical strategies and better understand the genetic and cultural diversity of the studied communities.