Prevalence and pattern of permanent tooth agenesis among multiracial orthodontic patients in Malaysia

Objective: To determine the prevalence and pattern of hypodontia among multiracial orthodontic patients in Malaysia.

Materials and methods: Digital panoramic radiographs of 813 patients were obtained from the records of the orthodontic clinic over five years (2014–2018). The presence of hypodontia was recorded and crosschecked with clinical notes. The association of gender and ethnicity was analysed using the Chi-squared test (p < 0.05).

Results: The prevalence of hypodontia was 7.9%, with both mandibular and maxillary lateral incisors being most commonly and equally affected teeth at 17.9%. Three patients had up to five missing teeth. No severe hypodontia was recorded. The prevalence was highest among the Chinese (8.3%), followed by Malay (7.9%) and the Indian (6.3%) population. Gender and ethnicity were found not to be associated with hypodontia. The most common missing tooth for Malays was the mandibular central incisor, for the Chinese was the mandibular lateral incisor and for the Indian population was the mandibular second premolar.

Conclusion: The prevalence of hypodontia was 7.9%. The prevalence of hypodontia was 8.3% for the Chinese, 7.9% for Malay and 6.3% for the Indian population. The most common missing teeth were the mandibular and maxillary lateral incisors.