Correlation Between Dental Calcification Stages And Skeletal Maturity Indicators

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between dental calcification stages of mandibular second molar and skeletal maturity stages among Pakistani subjects.
Methods: The samples were derived from dental panoramic and lateral cephalogram radiographs of 150 subjects (62 males and 88 females). Mandibular second molar dental calcification stages were determined according to demirjian’s Index and skeletal maturity indicators were determined according to cervical vertebral maturational indicators.
Results: Highly significant correlation (R= 0.754) for females, (R= 0.805) males and overall R=0.765 was found between dental calcification stages and skeletal maturity indicators. Dental calcification stage D corresponded to CVM stage 1 and 2 i.e. pre-peak of pubertal growth spurt. CVM stage 3 corresponded to stage E of dental calcification stage in females and G in males i.e. peak of pubertal growth spurt. Dental calcification stage G corresponded to CVM stage 4 i.e. peak of pubertal growth spurt. Dental calcification stage H corresponded to CVM stage 5 and 6 i.e. end of pubertal growth spurt.
Conclusions: Highly significant correlation was found between dental calcification stages and skeletal maturity indicators.Dental calcification stage of mandibular second molar can be considered as simple first level diagnostic test to determine skeletal maturity.