Incremental growth of the maxillary tuberosity from 6 to 20 years—A cross-sectional study

ObjectivesAlthough the maxillary tuberosity (MT) is a major growth site of the maxilla, its time-related growth was not fully investigated. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the MT growth from 6 to 20 years of age defining the peak growth age and to assess time-related indicators.DesignPanoramic radiographs from 189 patients were divided in a cross-sectional study into six age groups. A special panoramic analysis was developed including 18 parameters and 3 time-related indicators, i.e., chronological age, crown/root development stages of the maxillary second (M2) and third (M3) molars and eruption stages.ResultsFrom 6 to 20 years, the MT vertical growth was 5.17-fold greater than the horizontal. The horizontal growth covered 36% of the maxillary growth but was inadequate to secure space for third molar eruption despite a 51% increase in MT area. MT peak growth was between 8 and 9 years and 10–11 year. During these 14 years, the maxillary length increased by pneumatisation of the maxillary sinus (86%), growth of the MT (36%) and decrease of the anterior maxillary region (−22%). Of the 18 examined parameters, 83% showed dependency to the combination chronological age with M2, M3 crown/root development stage and 72% to the combination chronological age with M2, M3 eruption stage.ConclusionMT growth peak occurs with initiation of root development of M2 and shortly before M2 eruption (8–9 years to 10–11 years). Dental time-related indicators adjunct with the chronological age provide an effectual system to define MT growth potential.