Examining Diagnostic Trends and Establishing Diagnostic Criteria for Dental Eruption Disorders

Objectives: Eruption disorders are frequently misdiagnosed. Confidence and diagnostic accuracy of Mechanical Failure of Eruption (MFE), ankylosis, and Primary Failure of Eruption (PFE) were assessed and a diagnostic rubric was established based on genotype:phenotype correlations. Methods: In a nationwide survey AAO and AAPD members, participants diagnosed 15 cases of verified eruption disorders. Results: The diagnostic accuracies of MFE (61%), ankylosis (42%), and PFE (33%) were significantly different (P<.0001). The percentages of participants reporting confidence in diagnosing MFE, ankylosis, and PFE were 98%, 87%, and 75% respectively. Orthodontists were more accurate than pediatric dentists (P<.0001). In our genotype:phenotype study of 64 individuals, 100% with a mutation in PTH1R, and 93% of all PFE individuals exhibited at least one infraoccluded permanent first molar. Conclusions: Orthodontists and pediatric dentists over-estimate their diagnostic ability for eruption disorders. To improve diagnosis, we have established that an infraoccluded, supracrestal first molar is a hallmark feature of PFE.Master of Scienc