Chronologic and dental ages of Maltese schoolchildren : a pilot study

Abstract

Objectives: Dental ageing systems are useful for forensic, research and clinical purposes. As no data exists relating to the dental development of the Maltese population, we set up a pilot study to initiate formation of a set of tables pertaining to the dental development of Maltese schoolchildren. Methods: Panoramic radiographic records of 120 patients aged 11 to 14 years were sequentially collected from the records kept at the School Dental Clinic, Floriana and St Luke’s Hospital. These records were matched for age and sex. The calcification of the teeth was graded according to Nolla (1960) and the results obtained compared to Nolla’s tables to determine how closely the Maltese population conforms to these tables. Results: We found no significant difference between the estimated (dental) age and the chronological age of male schoolchildren. A significant difference existed for female schoolchildren. The dental age of the female schoolchildren was delayed when compared to that of male schoolchildren. Conclusion: Nolla’s tables require to be adjusted to take into account the variation in dental development of the Maltese population. Maltese schoolgirls exhibit slower dental development when compared to the figures given in the literature.