When Leon is at the age of 7, one of the top central incisors erupts (Fig.2: #9), while the other does not (#8).  Initial X-ray shows that there are two extra teeth which block or interfere with eruption of the tooth #8 (1 2 3 4 5).  To remove these extra teeth, we need to know where they are: on the lip (Fig. 2 L) or palate (P) side of the central incisors.  This information decides surgical approach.  Neither clinical or regular X-ray exam can provide this information.  X-ray is two dimensional (without information of depth), whereas CT is three-dimensional. Nowadays, CT is available readily, affordable and reasonably safe (without too much radiation).  D; top right baby lateral incisor.  *: top right baby central incisor just comes out; the wound is healing.

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Xin Wei, DDS, PhD, MS 1st edition 10/22/2014, last revision 10/22/2014