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

Objectives: Although 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.

Design: Panoramic 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 (M(2)) and third (M(3)) molars and eruption stages.

Results: From 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 M(2), M(3) crown/root development stage and 72% to the combination chronological age with M(2), M(3) eruption stage.

Conclusion: MT growth peak occurs with initiation of root development of M(2) and shortly before M(2) 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.