Unerupted incisors characteristic features and associated dental anomalies

Abstract

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that an association exists between unerupted incisors and different types of dental anomalies in a sample of human subjects as compared to an adequately matched control group. This was done to elucidate the etiological and clinical relevance of such associations. A record of patients with unerupted incisors already existed within the Dental Department at St. Luke's Hospital. This database was used as a starting point for data collection. Further contemporary records of patients with unerupted incisors were collected from the Dental Outpatients Department at St. Luke's Hospital, School Dental Clinic at Floriana Health Centre and from private dental clinics. The size of the study group was 41 patients, ranging from 7 to 39 years old. A control group of 41 patients was matched as to age and gender. Each patient was assessed for nine dental anomalies namely, hyperdontia, hypodontia, microdontia, enamel defects, ectopic canines, ectopic premolars, ectopic first permanent molars, ectopic second permanent molars, and infraocclusion of primary molars. The results of this study revealed that: 1. males were more affected with unerupted incisors than females, with a prevalence of 2.7: 1; 2. a statistically significant association was found between unerupted incisors and other inherited dental anomalies, namely ectopic teeth, hyperdontia and enamel defects. The evidence supports the rejection of the null hypothesis that no association exists between unerupted incisors and inheritable dental anomalies. Unerupted incisors may be considered part of the spectrum of inheritable dental anomalies.