A 5-year-old patient already has fully erupted permanent mandibular central incisors (well ahead of the typical 6-7 year eruption age). What is the relationship between this child's chronological age and dental age?

The child's chronological age is BEHIND (lags) the dental age — the teeth erupted earlier than typical for the child's actual age, so dental development appears advanced relative to chronological age
The child's chronological age is AHEAD of the dental age
Chronological age and dental age are always identical by definition
This scenario provides no information about the relationship between chronological and dental age

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. The child's chronological age is BEHIND (lags) the dental age — the teeth erupted earlier than typical for the child's actual age, so dental development appears advanced relative to chronological age

If permanent teeth that typically erupt around age 6-7 have already erupted in a 5-year-old, the child's dental development (dental age) is advanced relative to their actual chronological age — meaning the chronological age is BEHIND (lags) the more advanced dental age in this scenario.

Practice Pediatric Dentistry questions Pediatric Dentistry study notes

A 5-year-old patient already has fully erupted permanent mandibular central incisors (well ahead of the typical 6-7 year eruption age). What is the relationship between this child's chronological age and dental age?

More Pediatric Dentistry practice questions