Tooth crown dimensions of primary molars in 3- to 7-year-old children in Benin City, Nigeria.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the mesiodistal, buccolingual and clinical crown height dimensions of primary molars of children in Benin City, Nigeria

Methods: A cross sectional study conducted to determine the mesiodistal (MD), buccolingual (BL) and clinical crown height (CC-H) dimensions of first and second primary molars among patients attending the Paediatric Dentistry clinic, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State. Mandibular and maxillary study models were made from impressions taken using alginate impression material. The tooth dimensions were measured from the study models with the use of an electronic digital caliper. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 21.0. Pearson correlation was used to ascertain the relationship between the tooth dimensions. Unpaired t-test was used to compare dimensions between male and female while paired t-test was used to compare molar dimensions in the quadrants and arches. The level of significance was set at <0.05.

Results: Fifty children whose age ranged from 3 to 7 years with a mean age of 5.74+1.12 years provided a total of four hundred measured primary molar teeth. The mandibular second molar had the largest mean mesiodistal width among males (10.17+0.78mm) and females (9.59+1.00mm). The mandibular first molar had the largest mean crown height among males (5.35+0.83mm) and females (5.16+0.80mm), the maxillary second molar had the largest mean buccolingual width among males (9.70+0.64mm) and females (9.58+0.48mm). There was a statistically significant difference in the mesiodistal width of primary mandibular second molars between males and females (p< 0.05).

Conclusion: The MD, BL dimension of the first molar and the CC-H of the second molar have the largest mean variability. There was sexual dimorphism in the primary mandibular second molar. The findings of this study will assist paediatric dentist in the South-South geopolitical zone to order for the appropriate primary molar dimensions of stainless steel crowns needed for full coverage restorations.