Agenesis of maxillary first molars: Report of 4 patients

Agenesis of maxillary first molars is rare. Four young children referred by their pediatric dentist for lack of eruption of the maxillary first molars are presented. The dental age- and root development of the developing tooth germs in the maxillary permanent molar region was compared with that of the mandibular first and second molars. It was determined that the developing molars distal of the maxillary primary second molars were second molars and that the first molars were congenitally missing. A correct diagnosis of congenitally missing first molars avoids erroneous surgical exposure of unerupted second molars in young children.