The Incidence of Dental Caries, Periapical Root Resorption, and Alveolar Bone Loss Among the Navajo Indians of Monument Valley, Utah
In a pilot anthropometric study of 52 Navajo Indians of Monument Valley, Utah, the incidence of dental caries, permanent tooth periapical root resorption, and alveolar bone loss was assessed. The relationship of tooth malpositioning to the specific parameter was subsequently determined. The sample was divided into arbitrary age groups. Periapical roentgenograms were taken of each subject and were used in the assessment of dental caries, periapical root resorption, and alveolar bone loss. Data from a specially prepared examination sheet augmented the findings from the roentgenograms. Tooth malpositioning and arch relationships were determined from the study casts. Occlusion was then classified. Data was transferred to IM cards, machine processed, and then analyzed. Considering the pilot nature of the study, the following conclusions can be drawn: The Navajo Indian exhibited dental caries, periapical root resorption, and alveolar bone loss not unlike in character that observed in contemporary Caucasian populations. The relationship between tooth malpositioning and each of the parameters was not significant as determined by chi square analysis. Standardization of examination procedures is needed in all prevalence studies to minimize the differences between past, contemporary, and future studies.
Orthodontics and Orthodontology, Dental Caries; Root Resorption; Alveolar Process
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