New diagnostics of the dentition on panoramic radiographs—Focusing on the peripheral nervous system as an important aetiological factor behind dental anomalies

The present review article is a summary of several previously published articles focusing on the aetiology behind deviations in the dental development such as malformation, agenesis, eruption deviations and abnormal resorption. The previous findings have not been compiled before and are documented in a series of new cases in this article. The evaluation of aetiology is based on histological knowledge about early dental development and new knowledge about the periodontal membrane. The article describes the different deviations in the dentition based on an analysis of ectodermal mucosa, innervation and ectomesenchyme. Focus is on the developmental fields in the jaws, determined by the course of the peripheral nerves.The article documents that the innervation of the jaws and teeth is an important aetiological factor behind deviations in dental development and dental eruption. The association of deviations in teeth with deviations in skin is also documented and demonstrated in agenesis, dental malformations and eruption deviations. Furthermore, the interrelationship between findings in the primary and permanent dentitions is described, specifically in resorption.The analysis distinguishes between deviations in a limited field and deviations occurring generally in the dentition. Furthermore, the bilateral occurrence of deviations in contralateral fields is described.Conclusively, the article presents advice regarding conditions that should be included in aetiology-based diagnostics.