Which sequence correctly lists the teeth in order of most commonly congenitally missing?

Which sequence correctly lists the teeth in order of most commonly congenitally missing?

• A. Third molars, mandibular second premolars, maxillary lateral incisors, maxillary second premolars
• B. Third molars, maxillary lateral incisors, mandibular second premolars, maxillary second premolars
• C. Maxillary lateral incisors, third molars, mandibular second premolars, maxillary second premolars
• D. Third molars, mandibular second premolars, maxillary second premolars, maxillary lateral incisors

Answer: (A)

The main idea is how often each tooth type fails to develop (congenital absence) in the permanent dentition. Third molars are the most commonly missing teeth overall, which is why they run first in the sequence. After those, the next most frequent agenesis occurs with the mandibular second premolars. Genetic and developmental factors that influence tooth formation tend to affect premolars in the lower jaw, making these teeth missing more often than others in this group. Following that pattern, the next most commonly missing are the maxillary lateral incisors, reflecting a strong genetic influence on their development as well. The maxillary second premolars are the least commonly missing among these four, so they appear last in the sequence.

The main idea is how often each tooth type fails to develop (congenital absence) in the permanent dentition. Third molars are the most commonly missing teeth overall, which is why they run first in the sequence. After those, the next most frequent agenesis occurs with the mandibular second premolars. Genetic and developmental factors that influence tooth formation tend to affect premolars in the lower jaw, making these teeth missing more often than others in this group. Following that pattern, the next most commonly missing are the maxillary lateral incisors, reflecting a strong genetic influence on their development as well. The maxillary second premolars are the least commonly missing among these four, so they appear last in the sequence.