Panoramic radiographic prevalence of dental developmental anomalies and jaw lesions in Mallorca, Spain: a retrospective cross-sectional study

Introduction Dental developmental anomalies and jawbone lesions are frequently detected as incidental findings on panoramic radiographs. Epidemiological assessment of these conditions is clinically relevant because they may influence diagnosis, treatment planning, and preventive strategies. This study aimed to determine the radiographic prevalence and characteristics of dental developmental anomalies and jawbone lesions in patients attending a university dental clinic. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using panoramic radiographs from patients aged 6–65 years who attended the ADEMA University Dental Clinic (Palma, Spain) between 2018 and 2022. Of 2,324 clinical records reviewed, 527 radiographs met the inclusion criteria. Dental developmental anomalies were classified as anomalies of number, shape, or eruption disturbances. Jawbone lesions were analyzed according to radiographic characteristics, including radiodensity and anatomical location. Associations with age and sex were also explored. Results At least one dental developmental anomaly was detected in 38.2% of patients (201/527; 95% CI: 34.1–42.4). Eruption disturbances were the most frequent anomaly category, affecting 32.3% of patients (170/527; 95% CI: 28.4–36.4). Dental impactions were observed in 26.9% of patients (142/527; 95% CI: 23.3–30.9) and retentions in 12.5% (66/527; 95% CI: 10.0–15.6), with some individuals presenting more than one eruption disturbance. Jawbone lesions were identified in 30.0% of patients (158/527; 95% CI: 26.2–34.0), most of which corresponded to inflammatory periapical lesions (79.1%). Dental anomalies were significantly more prevalent in younger individuals, whereas jawbone lesions were more frequently observed in older patients, with the highest prevalence in the 50–65-year age group. Conclusion A substantial proportion of patients attending this university dental clinic presented radiographically detectable dental developmental anomalies and jawbone lesions. Systematic evaluation of panoramic radiographs may therefore play an important role in early detection and clinical management of these conditions across different age groups.