Timing of mineralization of homologues permanent teeth--an evaluation of the dental maturation in panoramic radiographs.

Clinically the condition Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH),varies considerably between individuals, where any number of molars, from one to all four permanent first molars, may be affected with different degrees of hypomineralized enamel within the same dentition. An explanation to these variations could be that the start of the enamel mineralization differs between homologues teeth. The aim of this study was to compare the dental development between homologues teeth in digital panoramic radiographs (PRs),from children aged 7 to 11 years, using the Gleiser & Hunt method on second and third molars and to calculate the crown/root ratio for the mandibular premolars.77 PRs, from individuals between 7.3 and 11.0 years of age, were studied. Differences in developmental stages between homologues teeth (second and third molars) were studied. In 72 of these PRs, the crown/root ratio of mandibular premolars was also compared. In 31 of the PRs, a difference in development was found between the right and left maxillary second molar. In 22 PRs, a difference in development between the right and left mandibular second molar was found. In 17 of the PRs, a difference in development was found between the right and left maxillary third molars. In 26 PRs,a difference in-between the right and left mandibular third molar was found. In 72 PRs, the crown/root ratio of mandibular premolars was measured and differences were found. All these differences were significant. A possible explanation to the variations in expressivity of MIH may be a result of differences in the start of mineralization between homologues teeth. Timing of mineralization of homologues permanent teeth--An evaluation of the dental maturation in panoramic radiographs.