| JNDA Vol. 25 No. 2 Issue 41 (July- December 2025) | |
Non-Metric Dental Trait Variability in Nepalese Permanent Dentition: A Clinical and Anthropological Study |
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| Anima Bhandari, Inchuna Baral, Mamata Shakya, Binam Sapkota, Nitesh Kumar Chaurasia, Swagat Kumar Mahanta, Bhoj Raj Adhikari | |
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| Abstract | |
Introduction: Dental morphology reflects genetic, environmental, and epigenetic influences and can vary across and within populations. Dental traits can be of importance in clinical, anthropological, and forensic contexts. The Nepalese population, being ethnically diverse, presents an ideal cohort for dental profiling; however, limited data exists on morphological dental traits within this population. Objective: The main objective of this study is to examine the morphological variations in permanent dentition among the Nepalese population and to explore the clinical and forensic implications of these variations. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 individuals aged 12–60 years attending dental outpatient department of Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Nepal. Clinical examination recorded non-metric traits, including cusp of Carabelli, cusp number variations, peg-shaped laterals, shoveling, talon cusp, and others. All the available information were entered in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using statistical software (IBM SPSS Statistical tool Version 23; SPSS Inc, USA). Descriptive statistical analysis was performed, and the difference between Aaryans and Mongolians was compared using Chi-square test. Results: Cusp of Carabelli was found in 85 (42.5%) individual, among which 66 were in Aaryans and 19 in the Mongolians and was found to be significantly more prevalent among Aaryans than in Mongolians. Three-cusped maxillary second molars were common and was found in a total of 88 (44%) individuals, however, without any significant ethnic association. Additional findings included four-cusped mandibular molars in 47 (23.5%) individuals, shoveling in 11 (5.5%) individuals, and congenitally missing teeth in 62 (31%) individuals. Conclusion: Distinct ethnic differences in dental morphology exist within Nepalese populations. These traits can guide prosthodontic rehabilitation, forensic identification, and anthropological research. |
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| Keywords | |
| Carabelli; Ethnic; Morphology; Traits. | |