An Investigation of Pulp Stones as A New Diagnostic Indicator for Renal Diseases in Patients Requiring Dental or Orthodontic Care

Abstract

Introduction: Gingival overgrowth and delayed tooth eruption are two problems associated with renal disorders, such as chronic kidney disease and renal transplantation, which call for meticulous orthodontic planning and cooperation with doctors. Many a times patient are not aware of underlying renal disease and clinical manifestations during dental treatment and specially orthodontic management can help in identifying the condition thereby benefitting the patient not only dentally but also medically. The aim of this study is to evaluate relationship between the pulp stone and the renal disease /stones. Addressing this aspect is especially important in Pakistan, where chronic diseases have a negative influence on the population's quality of life and contributed an added strain on the healthcare system.

Methodology: The cross-sectional study was carried out from August 1 to September 30, 2023, at a private dental hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan, with a sample size of 30 people. Participants were divided into two categories: those with known kidney disease and those without but having clinical manifestations suggestive of renal disease. To manage orthodontic and dental issues, dental X-rays were performed, which also helped to detect pulp stones. Likely renal patients also got ultrasound scans to check for renal issues. The data was analyzed via Chi-square tests and descriptive statistics. 

Results: While kidney stone patients showed a higher occurrence of pulp stones compared to others, the study did not establish a direct connection between pulp stone prevalence and any renal disease.

Conclusions: The study discovered that kidney stone patients had a higher prevalence of pulp stones, but no clear link between specific renal diseases and pulp stones was discovered.