Eruption and development
Know typical primary and permanent tooth sequence while recognising variation. Delayed, ectopic or asymmetric eruption may need investigation.
Understand
Primary and permanent eruption follow typical sequences but vary individually. Tooth agenesis, supernumeraries, eruption obstruction and systemic factors may alter the pattern.
Assess
Compare sides, palpate where appropriate and review previous records. Persistent asymmetry, retained primary teeth or absent bulges may justify targeted imaging or referral.
Apply
Explain findings in developmental terms and plan around successor teeth, space and prevention. Do not expose a child to imaging solely to confirm an otherwise normal variation.
Key distinctions
Chronology is useful but ranges are broad, and asymmetry or associated signs are more informative than a small deviation from an eruption chart. Distinguish delayed emergence from an absent tooth or an obstructed path. Early loss of a primary molar can alter space and eruption; assess the successor before deciding that extraction has no consequence.
Think through a case
A maxillary canine is palpable on one side but not the other as eruption approaches. The asymmetry merits developmental assessment rather than an immediate assumption of agenesis.
The distinction to remember
Do not order repeated radiographs simply because a child's eruption date differs from a chart's average.
Test your recall
Why compare left and right eruption?
Show answer
Marked asymmetry may suggest local obstruction or anomaly.