Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: primary eruption sequence: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dentistry · Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: primary eruption sequence

Sample item

In the usual order of eruption of the primary dentition, which tooth erupts between the first primary molar and the second primary molar?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Canine

The usual order of eruption of primary teeth is central incisor, lateral incisor, first molar, canine and second molar (A, B, D, C, E). The canine therefore appears after the first molar at around 16 to 22 months. The first permanent molar erupts at about six years, long after the second primary molar.

Option by option

  • A. First permanent molar

    The first permanent molar appears at about six years, after all primary teeth.

  • B. Lateral incisor

    The lateral incisor erupts before the first molar.

  • C. Central incisor

    The central incisor is the first primary tooth to erupt, before the first molar.

  • D. Canine (correct)

    Correct. The canine follows the first molar and precedes the second molar.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is D, Canine. The usual order of eruption of primary teeth is central incisor, lateral incisor, first molar, canine and second molar (A, B, D, C, E).

Why is "First permanent molar" not the answer?

The first permanent molar appears at about six years, after all primary teeth.

Why is "Lateral incisor" not the answer?

The lateral incisor erupts before the first molar.

Why is "Central incisor" not the answer?

The central incisor is the first primary tooth to erupt, before the first molar.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: primary eruption sequence in Dentistry. The canine therefore appears after the first molar at around 16 to 22 months. The first permanent molar erupts at about six years, long after the second primary molar.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: primary eruption sequence?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.