Epidemiological Valuation of the Frequency of Congenitally Missing Maxillary Lateral Incisors Among Schoolchildren Aged 6–14 Years in Duhok City: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Aims: The present study aimed to analyze the frequency of congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisors and evaluate gender-related differences among children in Duhok City, Iraq. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted by collecting 600 ortho pantomographs (OPGs) of patients aged 6–14 years from a private dental center in Duhok. Patients with prior extractions, craniofacial anomalies, or orthodontic treatment were omitted. The presence of unilateral or bilateral maxillary lateral incisor agenesis was recorded, and statistical analysis was performed via Fisher’s exact test, with significance usually at p<0.05. Results: Total prevalence of maxillary lateral incisor agenesis was 5.67%. Female patients confirmed a significantly higher prevalence (7.74%) related to males (3.45%) (p<0.0001). Bilateral agenesis was more common than unilateral cases. Side-specific analysis illustrates slight differences: the left side is commonly affected in females and the right side in males. Conclusion: Maxillary lateral incisor agenesis is less common, because % is 5% among children in Duhok, with a higher incidence in females. Early detection and multidisciplinary management are essential for heightening esthetic and functional results. Further studies are recommended to discover innovative genetic and environmental risk factors.