Permanent dentition stage normally begins with:

# The permanent dentition stage normally begins with which of the following?

A. Exfoliation of the primary mandibular central incisor

B. Exfoliation of the primary maxillary 2nd molar

C. Eruption of the permanent mandibular 1st molar

D. Eruption of the permanent maxillary 1st molar

E. Exfoliation of the primary mandibular 1st molar

The correct answer is B. Exfoliation of the primary maxillary 2nd molar. 

The permanent dentition stage does not

begin until the final primary tooth is

exfoliated.

The term "'mixed dentition" describes the

time between the eruption of the permanent 1st molars until the exfoliation of the last primary tooth.

Patients who retain primary teeth don't

leave the mixed dentition stage until the

primary teeth are lost.

Primary dentition: 6 months- 6 years

Mixed dentition: 6 years- 12 years

Permanent dentition: 12 years +