Longitudinal study and analysis of clinical supervision of maxillary canine eruption.

In 505 Swedish schoolchildren, the need to supervise the eruption of the maxillary canines was assessed by digital palpation and related to occlusal development and somatic maturity. The aim was to judge the extent to which clinical methods should be supplemented with radiographic methods. The 505 children, aged 8-12 yr, were clinically investigated and the eruption was followed over a 3-yr period. The age of the child was found not to be a valid criterion for radiographic investigation of the canine position. The investigation showed that 29% of 10-yr-old children had non-palpable canines bilaterally. In 11-yr-old children, the corresponding figure was 5%. A palpable buccal bulge in the primary canine apical area was found to signify a favorable eruption position. The prevalence of non-palpable or unerupted canines was 3% in the age group 11-15 yr. Indications for radiographic examination of canine position were present in altogether 7% of the children over 10 yr of age according to the clinical diagnostic criteria used.