Longitudinal study of electrometric sensitivity of young permanent incisors.

Electrometric sensitivity of permanent maxillary central incisors was studied longitudinally in 34 children at 6-month intervals over 2 1/2 yr (mean age of the children at the beginning of the study: 94.6 months). Root development stages were determined from radiographs obtained at the beginning of the study, after 1 yr, and after 2 1/2 yr. An increase in sensitivity was found over the study period, but large variations were found from child to child and even within the same child. Especially at the first examinations a few children showed very low sensitivity. Statistical analysis showed that examination number, root development and side of the mouth (right or left central incisor) all were statistically significantly related to sensitivity. Statistically significant differences were also found between the individuals.