Panoramic radiographic study of mesiodistal axial inclination of three maxillary teeth in 8-12 year old children

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Background: The establishment of norms of mesiodistal axial inclination is very important since normal occlusion depends upon proper axial inclination. The aim of the present article is concerned with the assessment of mesiodistal axial inclination of the permanent maxillary canine, first & second molar to provide a baseline data for these teeth.
Materials & Methods: A total sample of 60 Iraqi children aged 8, 10 & 12 years having class I occlusion were traced to obtain the angles of mesiodistal axial inclinations of maxillary canine, first & second molar.
Results: Eight years old children males have a highly significant increase in mesiodistal axial inclination in second molar when compared with corresponding females. On the contrary, a significant increase in the angulation was seen in female’s canine when compared to those of males and a non-significant gender difference for this angulation was seen for the first molar.
Conclusion: The normal average value of mesiodistal axial inclination of key teeth like maxillary canine, first & second molar would help in identifying individuals who deviate markedly from the average.
Keywords: Mesiodistal axial inclination, OPG, maxillary teeth. (J Bagh Coll Dentistry 2006; 18(1) 42-45)