Pediatric Dentistry · patient case question

Bitewing radiographs show that the permanent mandibular canines have not yet erupted. What is the approximate age of the patient?

Patient case: Radiographic interpretation, discoloration and denture assessment

Scenario: Five items.

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. About 8 years

A. Correct. Permanent mandibular canines erupt at roughly 9 to 10 years. An unerupted canine places the child before that — around 8 years, consistent with a mixed dentition in which first molars and incisors have already arrived.
B. At 15 the permanent dentition is complete apart from the third molars.
C. At 4 the dentition would be entirely primary, with no permanent teeth showing at all.
D. By 12 the canines and premolars are normally in place and the second molars are erupting.

Note: Useful anchors: first permanent molars and mandibular central incisors at 6-7, mandibular canines at 9-10, second molars at 11-13.