Evaluation of skeletal maturation based on permanent mandibular second molar calcification

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the relationship between permanent mandibular second molar calcification stages and cervical vertebrae skeletal maturity and to evaluate whether second molar calcification stages can be used as a reliable diagnostic tool to determine skeletal maturity.Materials and Methods: The Panoramic and intraoral periapical radiographs and lateral cephalogram of 240 subjects (120 males and 120 females) with age group between 8 to 17 years were examined. The Calcification stages of mandibular second molar were rated according to Demirjian index (DI) and skeletal maturity were determined using Cervical vertebrae maturation index (CVMI) given by Hassel and Farman.Results: A highly significant association was found between CVMI and DI. DI stage E corresponded to stage 2 of CVMI (pre-pubertal growth spurt). DI stages F and G corresponded to stage 3 and 4 of CVMI (pubertal growth spurt). DI Stage H corresponded to CVMI stage 5 and 6 (end of pubertal growth spurt).Conclusion: A highly significant association exists between DI and CVMI. Mandibular second molar DI stages can be used as a reliable indicator for growth evaluation in clinical practice.