Development and size of the teeth of Macaca mulatta

A cross-sectional sample of 151 skulls from Macaca mulatta of known age and similar rearing in U.S. Primate Centers was analyzed to determine age-related "norms" of stages of development and size of teeth. The stages of development from the follicle of a deciduous incisor in the fetus to completion of the root with apex closed of the permanent third molar were related to age. The age range observed for eruption of each tooth was noted and related to its stage of development. The crown of each erupted tooth was found to be completely developed, but growth of its root continued for a longer, indeterminate period. When a deciduous tooth was exfoliated, the crown of the permanent successor was found to be completed and root growth had begun. Measurements of both mesiodistal and faciolingual diameters and of crown length of the teeth in situ and of total length and root length on roentgenograms were examined for sexual dimorphism. The faciolingual diameter of the deciduous mandibular second incisor and of both second molars showed the greatest sexual dimorphism among both diameters of all deciduous teeth. The mesiodistal and faciolingual diameters of the mandibular premolars were found to be the best dimensions in discriminant functions for identifying sex in the absence of permanent canines.