Abstract
Background
The timing and sequence of gingival penetrance are important for evaluating dental maturity and can be affected by racial differences and secular trends. This retrospective cohort study confirms the timing and sequence of gingival penetrance of permanent teeth in Korean children through panoramic radiography.
Methods
Analysis of 1,470 panoramic radiographs taken from January to December 2021 was conducted. Patients with systemic disease, maxillofacial deformity, pathologies in jaws, ectopic eruption, and tooth agenesis were excluded. Age, sex, and Demirjian developmental stage at gingival penetrance were evaluated. Comparisons were made between sex and between teeth with and without previous pulp treatment of primary antecedents. Furthermore, the sequence of gingival penetrance was investigated.
Results
The mandibular central incisor was the first to penetrate the gingiva at the age of 6.02 years. The maxillary teeth erupted later than mandibular teeth. Pulp treatment of primary molars accelerated gingival penetrance of permanent successors. Females experienced gingival penetrance earlier than males. All teeth, except for maxillary second molar, showed gingival penetrance at Demirjian developmental stage F. The sequence of gingival penetration was slightly different between arches.
Conclusion
The mandibular central incisor was the first teeth that showed gingival penetrance. Gingival penetrance usually occurs at Demirjian stage F.