Cases of congenitally missing permanent teeth involving only maxillary canines are uncommon. Prevalence studies have revealed that it is a rare finding in Caucasian populations, but it may be relatively more common in Asian groups. This report describes radiographic findings in 32 Chinese children with congenitally missing maxillary permanent canines. The aetiology of such an anomaly is obscure, but the racial difference in prevalence suggests that genetic factors may be more influential than environmental ones.

Supernumerary premolars appeared to be more prevalent in Chinese children with dens evaginatus than in the general population. There may be an association of supernumerary premolars with dens evaginatus in this study population.

This article reports a case of dental abscess in a mandibular premolar with intact dens evaginatus. Dentists are advised to critically evaluate those teeth with dens evaginatus, both clinically and radiographically, before attempting prophylactic treatments. This is particularly important medicolegally in case the tooth develops symptoms shortly after the prophylactic treatment. Dentists practising in Western countries should also be aware of this dental anomaly because of the increasing global migration of people from Asia.

Solitary median maxillary central incisor (SMMCI) is a rare finding. Growth deficiency or other systemic abnormalities may or may not be seen in children with this anomaly. Nevertheless, the growth and development of all children with SMMCI should be closely monitored. This article reports the dental findings of three Chinese girls with SMMCI, but no growth deficiency or other systemic involvement.

In children with congenitally missing maxillary canines, the permanent dentitions may show diverse anomalies in tooth numbers, ranging from hypodontia to hyperdontia.