PREVALENCE OF ECTOPIC ERUPTION OF FIRST PERMANENT MOLARS IN A TURKISH SAMPLE

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the present study is to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of ectopically erupting first permanent molar (FPM) in children. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was performed using panoramic radiographs of 7649 patients (3506 females, 4143 males) ranging in age from 5 to 11. Age, gender, number and location of ectopic molars, bilateral versus unilateral occurrence, degree of resorption on the roots of the primary molars and other associated dental anomalies were assessed. Ectopic eruption was categorized according to a grading system which is based on the resorption rates of the primary molars. Results: Of the 7649 reviewed cases, 203 subjects (118 males and 85 females) were diagnosed as having ectopic eruption of the FPMs, giving a frequency of 2.65%. Ages of the subjects with ectopic FPMs ranged between 5 and 11 years with a mean age of 6.82±1.25 years. 157 out of 273 ectopic FPMs (57.5%) were detected in the maxilla and 116 (42.5%) in the mandible. Severe and very severe degree of ectopic eruption were found to be more common in maxilla than in mandible, while moderate degree of ectopic eruption was more prevalent in mandible. Conclusion: Although left and right sides were similar in terms of ectopic FPM prevalence,severe and very severe degree of ectopic eruption were found to be more common in maxilla than in mandible, while moderate degree of ectopic eruption was more prevalent in mandible.