Clinical Evaluation of the Occurrence of Cusp of Carabelli and it’s Caries Susceptibility in Specific Population in Baghdad

Abstract

Background: Owing to the significance of the carabelli cusp in anthropological studies, dental
morphology, genetic and evolutionary insights, forensic odontology and, more specifically,
clinical dentistry extensive investigation is required about its prevalence, types (small ridge,
groove, prominence) and its impact on dentistry, namely the development of dental caries.
Objectives: To determine the frequency of the carabelli cusp, types (small ridge, groove,
prominence), and whether it is unilateral (present on one side only) or bilateral (present on both
sides). Additionally, to see if its presence makes people more susceptible to dental caries.
Methods: This study included 90 fifth-grade undergraduate dental students from College of
Dentistry, University of Baghdad. Baseline data were obtained from clinical examination,
students’ information were arranged in case sheets which included name, gender, presence of
carabelli cusp, its type on the mesiopalatal cusp (small ridge, groove, prominence), it being
unilateral or bilateral and presence of caries or not. Data analyzed achieved by using Statistical
Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.
Results: According to our case sheets (77%) of the participants showed presence of the
Carabelli cusp and it was predominantly bilateral (68%). Furthermore, it was predominantly seen
among males (61%). The groove type, with (37.68%) was the most common type and it showed
the highest percentage of caries distribution with (38.46%).
Conclusions: Based on our study findings, the Carabelli cusp is frequent in the population
examined within the time of this study and to have it bilaterally. Additionally, the risk of caries is
raised due the challenge of keeping these areas clean.