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Open research questions in dental development and anomalies

268 unresolved questions extracted from the limitations and future-work sections of 4,752 dental development and anomalies papers in our library. Each links back to the study that raised it.

What the literature leaves open

  • Further studies are needed to validate the findings in a clinical setting, - Research on the long-term effects of REO on mandibular first molars is needed

    A root-extended overlay design and finite element analysis for permanent molars with a 4-wall defect in adolescents · 2026 · DOI

  • The limitations of overlay restorations and post-based systems for restorative approaches. The need for a novel design that balances the advantages and limitations of conventional approaches. The lack of studies on the stress distribution of root-extended overlays using finite element analysis.

    A root-extended overlay design and finite element analysis for permanent molars with a 4-wall defect in adolescents · 2026 · DOI

  • The paper identifies the challenge of diagnosing and treating supernumerary tusks in African savanna elephants due to their rarity and uncertain developmental mechanisms. It also notes the challenge of managing the condition in a clinical setting, including the need for selective removal of accessory tusks while preserving the primary tusk.

    Supernumerary Tusks in African Savanna Elephants (Loxodonta africana): A Case Series and Consideration of Developmental Mechanisms · 2026 · DOI

  • There is a lack of knowledge about odontogenic developmental abnormalities affecting elodont teeth. The paper identifies a gap in the understanding of the developmental mechanisms of supernumerary tusks in African savanna elephants.

    Supernumerary Tusks in African Savanna Elephants (Loxodonta africana): A Case Series and Consideration of Developmental Mechanisms · 2026 · DOI

  • BACKGROUND: Extraction of mandibular primary second molars in patients with congenitally missing second premolars may influence oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), yet this has not been previously investigated.

    Oral health–related quality of life after early extraction of primary second molars in children with congenitally missing second premolars: a randomized controlled trial with matched controls · 2026 · DOI

  • Turing-type reaction-diffusion models have provided a molecular explanation for the periodic pre-patterning of digits; however, the physical principles driving 3D morphogenesis remain incompletely understood.

    Self-organized mechanochemical instabilities drive the emergence of digit tissue morphogenesis · 2026 · DOI

  • Isolated reports indicate a common genetic origin for both, however, current data is inconsistent.

    Palatal canine impaction is not associated with third molar agenesis · 2025 · DOI

  • LIMITATIONS: Due to the common racial background of all participants, the results of this investigation might not be generalizable to the general population.

    Palatal canine impaction is not associated with third molar agenesis · 2025 · DOI

  • BACKGROUND: Early management of congenitally missing mandibular second premolars may influence craniofacial growth, yet the long-term effects of extracting the primary second molars remain unclear.

    Dentoalveolar changes following extraction of mandibular primary second molars in patients with congenitally missing second premolars—a longitudinal randomized controlled trial · 2025 · DOI

  • The study emphasizes the need for personalized oral care and further research into other contributing factors such as diet and genetics to better understand and manage oral health in dogs.

    Prevalence of Reasons for Tooth Extraction in Small- and Medium-Breed Dogs · 2025 · DOI

  • Dental morphology varies greatly throughout evolution, including in the human lineage, but little is known about the biology of this variation.

    PITX2 expression and Neanderthal introgression in HS3ST3A1 contribute to variation in tooth dimensions in modern humans · 2024 · DOI

  • The lack of sufficient anchorage for mesial movement of the first molar. The risk of root resorption or mesial tipping of the molars. The need for invasive procedures for the placement and removal of anchor plates.

    Skeletal Class III surgical orthodontic case of mandibular first molars mesially moved using an anchor plate for closing space from the congenital absence of mandibular second premolars · 2026 · DOI

  • The lack of effective treatment options for closing the space created by congenital absence of mandibular second premolars. The need for a new approach that can provide sufficient anchorage for mesial movement of the first molar.

    Skeletal Class III surgical orthodontic case of mandibular first molars mesially moved using an anchor plate for closing space from the congenital absence of mandibular second premolars · 2026 · DOI

  • A comprehensive synthesis focusing on the role of Cx43 in odontogenesis and odontogenic tumors remains scarce. The molecular mechanisms that alter normal CX43 function in odontogenic tumors have been poorly studied. The paper notes that the expression of Cx43 in odontogenic tumors has been explored in a very limited number of studies.

    Role of connexin 43 in odontogenesis and odontogenic tumors. · 2026 · DOI

  • Early detection and diagnosis of ectopic eruption. Development of effective treatment protocols. Limited understanding of the occlusal characteristics associated with ectopic eruption.

    Ectopic eruption of permanent first molars: a cross-sectional study in the mixed dentition · 2026 · DOI

  • There is a lack of understanding of the occlusal characteristics associated with ectopic eruption. Prior studies have focused mainly on radiographic and cephalometric analyses, with limited evaluation of arch morphometric parameters.

    Ectopic eruption of permanent first molars: a cross-sectional study in the mixed dentition · 2026 · DOI

  • The study identifies a gap in the understanding of the causes of delayed tooth eruption in children. The research highlights the need for further investigation into the relationship between delayed tooth eruption and underlying health issues.

    DELAYED TOOTH ERUPTION IN CHILDREN — A NORMAL CONDITION OR AN EARLY SIGN OF HIDDEN PATHOLOGY · 2026 · DOI

  • clinical Future multicenter studies including broader populations, detailed confirmatory risk-factor profiling, diagnostic methods such as cone-beam computed tomography or histopathological analysis when indicated are warranted to further the epidemiological understanding of radiographically detected dental anomalies and jawbone lesions.

    Panoramic radiographic prevalence of dental developmental anomalies and jaw lesions in Mallorca, Spain: a retrospective cross-sectional study · 2026 · DOI

  • The fragility of postcranial skeletal remains makes it difficult to assign theropod teeth to a specific clade. The lack of evidence for majungasaurine abelisaurids in Europe makes it challenging to confirm their presence.

    Cenomanian theropod teeth from Algora (central Spain), new evidence for majungasaurine abelisaurids in Europe · 2026 · DOI

  • The evolution of paleocommunities and the geographical and temporal distribution of theropod clades are not well understood. There is a lack of evidence for majungasaurine abelisaurids in Europe.

    Cenomanian theropod teeth from Algora (central Spain), new evidence for majungasaurine abelisaurids in Europe · 2026 · DOI

  • Further studies on the long-term effects of non-rigid connectors on prosthodontic restorations. Investigations on the optimal design and fabrication techniques of non-rigid connectors. Research on the application of non-rigid connectors in different clinical scenarios.

    Non-rigid connectors in fixed partial dentures · 2026 · DOI

  • The need for a comprehensive review of non-rigid connectors in fixed partial dentures. The importance of understanding the biomechanical principles governing the design of non-rigid connectors. The lack of discussion on the clinical considerations and limitations of non-rigid connectors.

    Non-rigid connectors in fixed partial dentures · 2026 · DOI

  • The study identifies a gap in the understanding of the effects of mandibular first premolar extraction versus non-extraction orthodontic treatment on mandibular third molar angulation and retromolar space. The study also identifies a gap in the understanding of the influence of vertical growth pattern on third molar eruption.

    Radiographic assessment for predicting the mandibular third molar eruption status in first premolar extraction and non-extraction orthodontically treated patients with different facial growth patterns: A retrospective cephalometric study · 2026 · DOI

  • There is a need for careful consideration of the placement of mini-screws in orthodontic treatment to avoid complications. The effectiveness of conservative endodontic techniques in resolving complications caused by mini-screws needs to be further studied.

    Endodontic Management of a Periapical Lesion Induced by an Orthodontic Mini-Screw: A Case Report · 2026 · DOI

  • There are very few reports of cases of the bilateral presence of supernumerary teeth in the molar region. No previous studies from Japan have reported the incidence of combined unilateral maxillary paramolar and distomolar supernumerary teeth.

    Non-syndromic Bilateral Posterior Maxillary Supernumerary Teeth: Rare Combination of Paramolar and Distomolar · 2026 · DOI

Most-cited papers in dental development and anomalies

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268 open questions have been extracted from the limitations and future-work passages of 4,752 dental development and anomalies papers in our library. Each one below links back to the study that raised it, so you can read the original claim in context.

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