A retrospective study of root apices closure of permanent incisors and first molars in Tanzanian children’s digital Orthopantomographs

Abstract

Background: Development status of the root apices of permanent teeth is important in various dental disciplines, paediatrics, endocrinology and forensic dentistry. Aim: To assess the root apices closure of permanent incisors and first molars among Tanzanian children aged 6-15 years. Methods: A hospital based, retrospective cross sectional study involving 321 digital Orthopantomographs. Chi square test was employed to test significant differences. Results: At 6-7.99 and 8-9.99 years, 20-21.4% and 66% of root apices of the mandibular central incisors had closed, respectively. At 8-11.99 years, 69% of the maxillary right first molars in males had apices closed compared to 47% in females (p<0.05). At 8-11.99 years, 84% of the mandibular central incisors had apices closed compared to 63% of maxillary ones (p<0.001). Conclusion: Permanent incisor and first molar root apices' closure in Tanzanian sample seem to be early being in agreement with the permanent teeth emergence pattern reported earlier among Tanzanian children.