Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Comprehensive assessment of the traits of teeth could provide valuable data regarding phylogeny of man which in turn may be used as differentiation tool between different races and subraces. Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess the distribution of Carabelli’s trait in Kashmiri population. Materials and Methods: A total number 400 of individuals were examined clinically and study casts were made. Permanent maxillary first molars were examined for the expression of Carabelli’s trait, Dahlberg classification system was used to score the trait on the teeth. The cast were examined by 2 observers independently to eliminate intra observer variation in interpretation and mean of 2 was taken for analysis. The data so obtained was statistically analysed and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Cusp of Carabelli was present in 25% of the study population in maxillary permanent molar. Type 3 was the most frequently expressed and Type 0, 5 were not seen among the study population. The expression of trait was bilateral among the surveyed population. Conclusions: The prevalence of Cusp of Carabelli was only 25 % in the Kashmiri population. This nonmetric dental crown feature may be used to develop a probabilistic model that will help in distinguishing individuals from specific human populations, particularly for forensic purposes. Key words: Prevalence; Cusp of Carabelli; Permanent maxillary first molar, Kashmiri population; Accessory cusp; Dental Anthropology.