RETROSPECTIVE STUDY ON THE PREVALENCE OF DENTAL CARIES AMONG PATIENTS VISITING THE DENTAL DEPARTMENT AT NMCH, PATNA, WITH NON-CARIES CHIEF COMPLAINTS: AN ORIGINAL RESEARCH

Abstract

Background:

Dental caries remains a major public health concern in India, often going undiagnosed in patients who present to dental clinics with unrelated complaints. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of incidental dental caries among such patients at a tertiary care center.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using archived dental records of 270 patients who visited the dental outpatient department at Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH), Patna, Bihar. Only patients whose chief complaints were unrelated to dental caries were included. A full oral examination using visual inspection and dental explorer had been performed to identify carious lesions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results: Of the 270 patients, 147 (54.4%) were found to have one or more carious teeth despite having unrelated complaints. The highest prevalence was observed in the 15–34 years age group. A slightly higher rate was noted among females (56%) than males (53.1%). Multiple carious teeth were found in 22% of caries-positive individuals.

Conclusion: A substantial proportion of patients had asymptomatic carious tooth, underscoring the need for routine comprehensive oral examinations regardless of the presenting complaint. Opportunistic screening can facilitate early diagnosis and better oral health outcomes.