Molar Angulation Research Articles

Effects of SARPE and MISMARPE on correction of transverse maxillary deficiency: A preliminary comparative evaluation.

The present study was designed to compare, on cone-beam computed tomography imaging, the skeletal and dental effects of the SARPE (Surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion) and MISMARPE (Minimally Invasive Surgical and Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) techniques. The sample of adult patients with transverse maxillary deficiency (TMD) was divided into two groups, and scans were obtained preoperatively (T0) and immediately after completion of expansion (T1). The posterior and anterior linear transverse distances of the maxilla and the angulation of the maxillary first molars were evaluated. The data were entered into a generalized estimating equations model to verify the postoperative effects of the different techniques. None of the techniques caused any appreciable change in the angulation of the molars. The skeletal changes were similar, with significantly greater gains in the nasal fossa and intermaxillary distance when using the MISMARPE. The technique can be an effective and lower morbidity alternative to SARPE.

Assessment of the Relation Between Patterns of Third-Molar Impaction and Blood Group: A Retrospective Study.

Background The prevalence of impacted third molars is high in the global general population. The etiology of impacted third molars is not fully understood, but it is thought to result from combined genetic and environmental factors. Some studies have suggesteda link between the blood group and the risk of impacted third molars. This study aimed to investigate the association between the blood group and the presence of impacted third molars and its pattern. Method A total of 856 panoramic radiographs were included in the study. Thethird molars were evaluated for the pattern of third-molar impaction and blood characteristics recorded as ABO group and presence or absence of Rhesus antigen. Results The results showed no significant association between the blood group and the presence of impacted third molars. The prevalence of at least one impacted the third molar was 34.6%. The most common angulation of impacted third molars was vertical (V) (45.1%), followed by mesioangular (MA) (33.7%), distoangular (DA) (13.8%), and horizontal (H) (7.4%). There was no significant association between the blood group and the number of impacted third molars nor between the blood group and the angulation of the impacted third molars. Conclusion This study suggests that the blood group is not a major factor in the development of impacted third molars. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm these findings.

Evaluation of First Molar Buccolingual Angulations and Dental Arch Parameters in Adolescents with Bilateral Posterior Crossbite.

This study aimed to compare the maxillary and mandibular transverse dental arch widths and buccolingual inclinations of the molar teeth in patients with and without bilateral posterior crossbite (BPC) divided into different age groups. The study included dental models from 120 patients (age: 12-18 years), including 60 with BPC (32 boys and 28 girls) and 60 without BPC (controls; 30 boys and 30 girls), who were divided into three age groups (12-14, 14-16, and 16-18 years). The centroid and lingual transverse arch widths, dental arch perimeters, dental arch depths, and buccolingual angulation of the molar teeth in the maxillary and mandibular regions were evaluated using scanned three-dimensional dental models. Dental arch parameters and buccolingual molar angulation did not significantly differ between the different age groups in either the patients with BPC or the controls (p>0.05). However, several dental arch width parameters differed significantly between sexes in both groups, with higher values in boys than in girls (p<0.05). The difference in the upper and lower molar buccolingual angulation between patients with BPC and controls was greater at the age of 16-18 years than the age of 12-14 years (p<0.05). Patients with BPC have smaller maxillary dental arch widths and larger mandibular intermolar widths than those without BPC. The difference in the molar buccolingual angulation between them increases with advancing age.

OPG Based Study to Analyze Essential Parameters of Impacted Lower Third Molar among North Malaysian Population: A Retrospective Study

Background: The third molar in permanent dentition is the last tooth to be erupted, the lack of space causes uneruption. Purpose: To determine the difference in various variables between erupted and impacted lower third molar group. Methods: Quasy experimental study done at the AIMST Dental Institute, comprised 200 patients OPG’s were divided into two groups; Group A - erupted, while Group B - impacted mandibular third molars. Results: The third molar angulation in group A was 84.32 ± 11.59 and group B 64.15 ± 30.92 with P value 0.000. The Mesioangular slope of the third molar in group A was 7.14± 9.64 and group B 29.54 ± 35.77 with P value 0.000. The second molar angulation in group A was 88.32 ± 7.59 and group B 86.58± 15.06 with P value 0.302. Gonial angle in group A was 123.02 ± 7.60 and group B 120.08 ± 8.3 with P value 0.010. The third molar mesio-distal crown width in group A was 14.15 ± 1.28 and group B 14.47 ± 1.17 with P value 0.067. Retromolar space in group A was 19.09 ± 2.97 and group B 13.54± 2.96 with P value 0.000. The anterior-posterior distance of the arch of the erupted third molar in group A was 58.88 ±6.23 and group B 62.31 ± 5.75 with P value 0.007. Conclusion: The impaction of third molar is greatly associated with angulation of third molar, mesioangular slope of the third molar and retromolar space.

Three-dimensional relationship between the degree of bilateral impacted mandibular third molars angulation and the mandibular dental arch parameters: a cross-sectional comparative study.

The purpose of this study was to three-dimensionally evaluate the relationship between the degree of bilateral impacted mandibular third molar (IM3M) angulation and the mandibular dental arch parameters in normal skeletal and dental malocclusion patients. In this retrospective cross-sectional comparative study, 120 adult subjects' cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were three-dimensionally analyzed. The sample included 120 adults aged 20-30years, with a gender distribution of 51 male and 69 female participants. The sample was divided into 100 adults with bilateral IM3M (study group) and 20 adults with normal bilateral erupted M3M (control group). The study group was sub-divided into three groups according to the degree of IM3M buccolingual angulation (BL°): group A, < 12° on the center of the ridge (N = 30), group B, 12-24° off-center of the ridge (N = 40), group C, > 24° off-center of the ridge (N = 30). The study group was also sub-divided into two groups according to IM3M mesiodistal angulation (MD°): group 1 from 10 to 45° (N = 36), group 2 > 45° (N = 64). Comparison within and between groups was performed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test. The correlation between IM3M, BL, and MD angulation and the mandibular arch parameter was calculated using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Statistically significant differences (P < 0.001) were found between the IM3M BL° and anterior teeth inclination, arch length (AL), and inter-second molar width (inter 2nd MW) as well as between the IM3M MD° with anterior crowding and the arch length (P < 0.001). A significant positive correlation was found between IM3M BL° and anterior teeth inclination and between IM3M MD° and anterior teeth crowding and inter 2nd MW. A significant negative correlation was observed between IM3M BL° and inter 1st MW and 2nd MW. The degree of buccolingual and mesiodistal angulation of the impacted mandibular third molars was related with mandibular dentoalveolar changes. Increased buccolingual angulation is generally associated with increased anterior teeth inclination and decreased 1st and 2nd inter-molar width. The increase in mesiodistal angulations was generally related with increased anterior teeth crowding and 2nd inter-molar width. Assessment of the relationship between the impacted mandibular third molars and the degree of arch discrepancy, and the position of mandibular incisors in the three planes of space might help in the decision-making process for the extraction of the impacted third molars in adult patients.

Effect of orthodontic extraction of mandibular premolars on third molar angulation after treatment with fixed appliances : Across-sectional study.

Orthodontic treatment involving premolar extractions might improve the angulation of lower third molars, which are the teeth most often impacted. This study analyzes the impact of first/second lower premolar extraction during orthodontic therapy on the angulation of mandibular third molars. A total of 120patients treated non-extraction (n = 40), with extraction of first (n = 40), or second lower premolars (n = 40) were included. The mesiodistal angulation of lower third molars relative to the adjacent tooth and their developmental stage were evaluated from posttreatment orthopantomograms. Between-group differences were statistically evaluated at asignificance level of 0.05. The orthopantomograms of 120patients (51% female) with amedian age of 15.2years at the time of debonding were evaluated after amean treatment duration time of 2.9years. No difference (P > 0.05) was seen between the average angulation of the lower third molars of the right (mean = 24.4°, standard deviation [SD] 13.6°) and the left side (mean = 23.6°, SD 14.1°). No differences in the angulation of the lower third molar were found between the non-extraction and extraction groups for the right (P = 0.44) or the left side (P = 0.22). Likewise, no differences were found when comparing the first and second premolars for the right (P = 0.26) or the left side (P = 0.10). Premolar extraction was associated with an advanced root development stage of the right third molar (odds ratio 7.1; 95% confidence interval 1.1-48.1; P = 0.04), with no differences between extraction of the first or second premolar (P = 0.10). Orthodontic treatment involving premolars extractions might be associated with asmall acceleration in root development, but not with the angulation, of lower third molars.

Dentoskeletal and soft-tissue changes of class II malocclusion treatment with modified first class appliances: a prospective clinical trial.

Intraoral distalizers are effective and conservative alternatives for Class II malocclusion treatment. However, the literature is still controversial regarding the effects of using skeletal anchorage in intraoral distalizers with different designs. The aim of this study is to compare dentoskeletal and soft-tissue changes of Class II malocclusion patients treated with three types of First Class (FC) distalizers. The sample of this prospective clinical trial included 30 consecutive patients divided into three groups: G1-FC conventionally anchored; G2-FC skeletally anchored Type 1; G3-FC skeletally anchored Type 2. Each group consisted of 10 patients. Lateral cephalograms were analyzed in two stages: at pre-treatment (T0) and after distalization (T1). The radiographs were digitized and analyzed using the software Dolphin Imaging 11.5. Comparisons of treatment changes between groups (T1-T0) were performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by the Tukey test. Patients treated with the conventionally anchored FC showed significantly greater incisors protrusion and labial inclination, second premolars mesial inclination and mesialization than the FCs skeletally anchored. No differences were observed regarding the amount of molar distalization and molar angulation between groups. It can be considered that the limitation of this study lies in its non-randomized design. First Class distalizers with conventional and skeletal anchorage are effective alternatives for Class II molar distalization. Distalization associated with indirect skeletal anchorage reduce the undesirable effects observed in the incisors and premolars during distalization when compared to distalization conventionally anchored.

Characteristics of Spatial Changes in Molars and Alveolar Bone Resorption among Patients with Loss of Mandibular First Molars: A CBCT-Based Morphometric Study

To investigate the characteristics of spatial changes in molars and alveolar bone resorption among patients with loss of mandibular first molars. A total of 42 CBCT scans of patients with missing mandibular first molars (3 males, 33 females) and 42 CBCT scans of control subjects without loss of mandibular first molars (9 males, 27 females) were evaluated in this cross-sectional study. All images were standardized using the mandibular posterior tooth plane with Invivo software. The following indices regarding alveolar bone morphology were measured, including alveolar bone height, bone width, mesiodistal and buccolingual angulation of molars, overeruption of maxillary first molars, bone defects, and the capability of molar mesialization. The vertical alveolar bone height in the missing group was reduced by 1.42 ± 0.70 mm, 1.31 ± 0.68, and 1.46 ± 0.85 mm on the buccal, middle, and lingual side, respectively (no differences among the three sides; p > 0.05). Alveolar bone width was reduced the greatest at the buccal CEJ level and the least at the lingual apex level. Mandibular second molar mesial tipping (with mean of the mesiodistal angulation = 57.47 ± 10.34°) and lingual tipping (with mean of the buccolingual angulation = 71.75 ± 8.34°) were observed. The mesial and distal cusps of maxillary first molars were extruded by 1.37 mm and 0.85 mm, respectively. Buccal and lingual defects of alveolar bone occurred at the CEJ, mid-root, and apex levels. Through 3D simulation, the second molar cannot be successfully mesialized into the missing tooth position, and the difference between the available and required distances for mesialization was the greatest at the CEJ level. The duration of tooth loss was significantly correlated with the mesio-distal angulation (R = -0.726, p < 0.001), buccal-lingual angulation (R = -0.528, p < 0.001) and the extrusion of the maxillary first molar (R = -0.334, p < 0.05). Both vertical and horizontal resorption of alveolar bone occurred. Mandibular second molars exhibit mesial and lingual tipping. Lingual root torque and uprighting of the second molars are needed for the success of molar protraction. Bone augmentation is indicated for severely resorbed alveolar bone.

Parameters associated with radiographic distal surface caries in the mandibular second molar adjacent to an impacted third molar

BackgroundTo determine the risk factors for the development of radiographic distal surface caries (rDSC) in patients who attend routine dental check-ups during an era of National Institute for Health Care Excellence third molar surgery guidelines.MethodsRadiographs taken during routine dental examinations involving 1012 patients from Manchester, UK were accessed. Clinical parameters, oral health, patient demographics, and socioeconomic factors were assessed. Risk factors were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe detected rate of rDSC was 63.9% and rDSC was distributed homogenously across all five socioeconomic groups (p = 0.425). Risk factors associated with rDSC (p < 0.001) were identified as partially erupted mesio-angularly impacted mandibular third molars, third molars with compromised molar to molar contact points, loss of lamina dura of ≥ 2 mm, male gender, increasing age, and a higher modified Decayed Missing Filled Tooth score.ConclusionrDSC was significantly associated with the angulation of third molars, the compromised contact position of the adjacent third molar, the periodontal status of the distal aspect of the second molar and the cumulative history of oral health in a population governed by specific third molar guidelines. An active approach to third molar surgical management could reduce rDSC and serve this population, irrespective of patients’ socioeconomic or deprivation status.

Validation Analysis of Panoramic Dental Application (PDApp) Software as a Tool for Predicting Third Molar Eruption Based on Panoramic Radiograph Images

The decision-making process for third molar removal or maintenance remains controversial in dental practice. The most important variables to be analyzed in predicting the potential of third molar eruption are retromolar space and the direction of eruption. The various methods for prediction include linear measures: measurement of the available space, mandibular size and growth, size of the third molar, and third molar angulation. The available software is not suitable for predicting third molar eruption. The purpose of the present work was to develop a clinical tool that can automatically predict eruption of the third molars based on combined linear and angular measurements. In this paper, the development and validation analysis of Panoramic Dental Application (PDApp) software (registered by the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC)) is presented, which can automatically predict third molar eruption from panoramic radiographs. This prediction is performed using a machine learning classifier (a support vector machine with Gaussian kernel) trained on a set of 188 cases wherein third molar angulation and the radiological retention coefficient are used as input data. Operating in the daily practice of the School of Dentistry at USC, an accuracy of 97.96% in predicting the potential of third molar eruption is achieved for a set of 539 third molars belonging to 289 patients. The software was also rated as the best imaginable system by the system usability scale (SUS) questionnaire. In this study, we developed and analyzed a new, unique software tool with increased diagnostic accuracy that will facilitate and optimize dental care in routine clinical workflow.

Maxillary transverse deficiency diagnosed by 3 methods and its relationship with molar angulation in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between maxillary transverse deficiency (MTD) diagnosed by 3 methods and molar angulation measured in 3-dimensions in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion, which could give reference to the selection of diagnostic methods in MTD patients. Cone-beam computed tomography data of 65 patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion (mean age 17.35 ± 4.45 years) were selected and imported into MIMICS software. Transverse deficiencies were evaluated by 3 methods, and molar angulations were measured after reconstructing 3-dimensional planes. Two examiners performed repeated measurements to assess the intraexaminer and interexaminer reliability. Pearson correlation coefficient analyses and linear regressions were performed to determine the relationship between a transverse deficiency and molar angulations. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare the diagnostic results of 3 methods. The novel molar angulation measurement method and 3 MTD diagnostic methods have the interexaminer and intraexaminer intraclass correlation coefficient values>0.6. The transverse deficiency diagnosed by 3 methods was significantly and positively correlated with the sum of molar angulation. There was a statistically significant difference for the transverse deficiencies diagnosed by the 3 methods. The transverse deficiency was significantly higher in Boston University's analysis than in Yonsei's analysis. Clinicians ought to choose the diagnostic methods properly, considering the feature of the 3 methods and the individual difference of each patient.

ALT ÜÇÜNCÜ MOLAR DİŞLERİN ALT İKİNCİ MOLAR VE ALT KANİN DİŞLERİNİN EKSEN EĞİMLERİNE OLAN ETKİSİ

AIM: This study aims to investigate effect of mandibular third molars on angulation of mandibular second molars and canines. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A total of 16 patients (10 female, 6 male) were included. All patients had two panoramic radiographs. All mandibular third molars were available in the first panoramic radiograph. The second panoramic radiograph was taken approximately 124.81 ± 21.63 weeks after one-sided mandibular third molar extraction. The angulations of the second mandibular molars and mandibular canines were measured on the first and second panoramic radiographs. These angulations were evaluated on the extraction side and non-extraction side. Paired t-test was used to compare the angulation changes. RESULTS: On the extraction side, differences were observed in the angulation of the second molars and canines showed uprighting movement however, these differences were not significant. On the non-extraction side, both the second molars and canines showed uprighting movement. However, the difference was statistically significant only in the second molars. CONCLUSION: We conclude that mandibular teeth are progressively uprighting and not extracting the mandibular third molars increases the uprighting effect on the second molars.

Üçüncü Büyük Azı Dişlerinin Radyografik Özelliklerinin Dijital Panoramik Radyografik Görüntülerle Değerlendirilmesi: Bir Retrospektif Kesitsel Çalışma

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of impacted 3rd molar, angulation status, the level of eruption, relationship with the occlusal plane of the 3rd molar teeth, and the rate of pathology in their own and the adjacent tooth of Turkish adult individuals who applied to Akdeniz University Faculty of Dentistry via panoramic radiographic images. Material and Methods: 700 patients were examined for this retrospective study. In addition to the localization, eruption, angulation, and occlusal level of the 3rd molars, the accompanying pathologies and the pathologies in the adjacent 2nd molars were recorded and retromolar spaces were measured. p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The rate of impaction in a total of 2800 3rd molars was 29%. Impacted 3rd molars were found at a higher rate (54.4%) in the mandible. It was determined that the 3rd molar teeth were mostly in the vertical position (77.8%) and 63.1% of them were at level A. 49.9% of mandibular third molar teeth were in class I. Conclusion: Impacted 3rd molar teeth prevalence was 29 %. The most common angulation status was vertical. According to the level of impaction, it was determined that the occlusal planes of the 3rd molars and the 2nd molars were at the same level most frequently. The location of the 3rd molar completely in front of the anterior ramus was the most common position. The most common pathology in the 3rd molars was caries, and no pathology was found in the 2nd molars except caries.

Pattern of Impaction of Mandibular Third Molar and Its Relation with Caries in Mandibular Second Molar

Objective: To determine caries frequency in mandibular second molars in proportion to level of angulation and depth of impaction of mandibular third molars established on winters and Pell and Gregory classification system. Study Design: This was a Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was regulated in Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Islamic International Dental Hospital, Islamabad from 1 January 2018 to 30th June 2018. Materials and Methods: An overall 100 cases of caries were investigated on clinical and radiographic basis in mandibular second molars. Each panoramic radiograph was studied for the presence of carious lesion in lower second molars. The depth and angulation of impacted third molars was being assessed using Pell and Gregory and winter's grouping respectively. Chi square test was applied for analysis of data. Results: The participants in this study had age range from 18 to 60 years old. Mean age was 39.24 ±9.77 years. Majority of the patients 59 (59.0%) were between the ages 18 and 40. Among these patients, males were 83 (83.0%) and females 17 (17.0%) having a 4.9:1 male-to-female ratio. Caries at the distal aspect of mandibular second molars were seen in 39 percent of individuals with impacted lower third molars and mesioangularly impacted teeth most resulted in caries. Conclusion: This study concluded that 39% of the patients with impacted mandibular third molars caused distal cervical caries in second molars, with mesioangular impaction being the most prominent type causing caries. So, an attentive follow up of impacted mandibular third molars should be considered as health of lower mandibular second molar is influenced by pattern of impaction.

Orthodontic treatment of substituting third molars for missing permanent molars

This study aimed to evaluate the orthodontic effect and efficiency of substituting third molars for missing first or second permanent molars systematically. Forty-six patients (69 third molars total) with missing permanent molars replaced by third molars were selected. The angulation, crown-to-root ratio, and periodontal condition of the third molars before and after treatment were compared. The American Board of Orthodontics Objective Grading System was used to evaluate the alignment and occlusion of third molars after treatment. The duration of orthodontic treatment and third molar replacement therapy were also recorded. The average orthodontic treatment time was 33.9 ± 5.6 months, and the average angulation change of third molars during treatment was 49.8 ± 29.8°. The average height of mesial alveolar bone increased by 4.8 ± 0.5 mm in patients whose third molars were mesially inclined or horizontally impacted. The root length of adult patients decreased by 0.72 ± 0.02 mm on average, and the average gingival recession was 0.10 mm, both of which were not statistically significant. The average score for each third molar evaluated by the American Board of Orthodontics Objective Grading System was 1.8 ± 0.5 points. If the indications and timing of treatment were well-controlled, third molars would be excellent substitutes for missing first or second permanent molars through the orthodontic method.

Treatment of impacted or retained second molars with the miniscrew-supported pole technique: a prospective follow-up study

BackgroundEruption disturbances of permanent molars are uncommon; however, it is important to treat them as soon as they are diagnosed. The main objective was to analyze the effectiveness of the “miniscrew-supported pole technique,” a surgically assisted orthodontic procedure to force the eruption of impacted/retained second molars (M2s) when there are indicators of complex molar inclusion. An observational prospective study was carried out during a 2-year period. Sociodemographic, clinical and low-dose scanner variables were taken at baseline (T0). Follow-up variables (T1) were the time between surgery and tooth eruption, radiographic measurements, debonding of buttons, failure rate of miniscrews and success rate of eruption.ResultsA total of 21 patients (mean age of 13.9 years) with 24 retained/impacted M2s were recruited; 13 molars were maxillary (54.2%) and 11 (45.8%) were mandibular. Six (25%) were impacted molars and 18 (75%) primarily retained. At T0, molar angulation was mesial in six molars (25%), distal in five molars (20.8%) and 13 molars were vertically positioned (54.2%). Infraocclusion degree was moderate in four (16.7%) molars and severe in 20 (83.3%). Only three (12.5%) third molars were removed due to lack of space. All M2s managed to erupt, achieving a success rate of 100%; however, two molars of the same patient did not achieve occlusion. The period of eruption after surgery was 126.8 (117.3) days. Anatomical radicular alteration was the only variable independently related to a longer time of treatment (p = 0.027).ConclusionsThe pole technique, using one mesial miniscrew and simple orthodontic mechanics, applies forces that succeed in erupting complicated retained/impacted M2s in a short period of time and with a low failure rate.

Changes in Angulation and Eruption Space of Developing Mandibular Third Molars Following Twin Block Treatment

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of twin block functional appliance three dimensionally on mandibular third molars angulation and eruption space. This retrospective study included cone beam computer tomography (CBCTs) of 34 Class II females (11.84 ± 0.94 years) who were divided into 2 groups. The first group received a standard twin block appliance (intervention group), while the other was considered as a control. CBCT images were obtained for all patients before the start of the intervention (T0) and after the active phase (9.4 ± 1.33 months) in the intervention group and at the beginning (T0) and after the observation period (T1) in the control group (8.12 ± 2.72 months). Measurements for the retromolar space were performed on the axial views, while those for molar angulation were performed on sagittal views as well as CBCT panoramic reformatted images. Both twin block and control groups showed non-significant changes in the angular measurements (sagittal L8/MP° and panoramic L8/MP°) denoting lack of change in the angulation of the third molars in relation to the mandibular plane after treatment. On the other hand, retromolar spaces showed a statistically significant increase (P ≤ .05) in both groups. The change was much significant for the twin block group, measuring 1.95 mm and 1.56 mm on the right and left sides, respectively, as compared to the control group which revealed less than 1 mm increase in the retromolar space on both the right and left sides. In spite of their positive impact on the retromolar space, twin block bite jumping appliances have a non-significant influence on the angulation of the developing mandibular third molars.

Evaluation of Mesiodistal Root Angulation of Permanent Incisors, Canines, and First Pre-Molars by Orthopantomogram Dental Imaging Findings in 296 Children Aged 6-14 Years.

BackgroundEarly pre-eruptive inclination changes of the first premolar (FP) and its associative changes with canine (C) inclination are important to predict canine impaction. This study aimed to evaluate the mesiodistal root angulation of permanent lateral incisors (LI), canines, and first molars by orthopantomogram dental imaging in 296 children ages 6–14 years at a single center in India.Material/MethodsThe total number of participants was 296, with equal numbers of boys and girls divided into 4 age groups: 6–8 years, 8–10 years, 10–12 years, and 12–14 years. Angles between lateral incisor, erupting canine, and first pre-premolar with midline were measured on an orthopantomogram (dental imaging which includes all the teeth with TMJ). The angle between the erupting C with LI and erupting C with FP was measured. Pearson’s correlation was also evaluated between the movement of the erupting canine with lateral incisor and erupting canine with erupting first premolar.ResultsThere was a significant difference in the angular values of different age groups (P≤0.05). The movements between LI, C, and FP were moderately correlated boys and girls aged 6–12 years.ConclusionsThe findings from this study showed that in boys and girls aged 6–14 years, eruption of the upper canine tooth was synchronized with eruption of the LI and FP.

Prevalence and Characteristics of Impacted Third Molars in a Kosovar Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The goal of this randomized cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of impacted third molars in the Kosovar population and to assess the site of impaction using the Winter and the Pell and Gregory classifications. Methods and Results: A total of 5515 digital panoramic radiographs (PANs) were reviewed to determine the number of impacted third molars, their angulation, and depth. The age range was from 18 to 77 years (29.3±12.8 years). The prevalence of impacted third molars in the sample of the Kosovar population was 73.7%. Of all PANs, one or more impacted third molars were observed in a total of 710 PANs, including 296(41.7%) in men and 414(58.3%) in women, with a sex ratio of 1:1.4; this difference was not significant (P=0.616). The mandible exhibited a substantially greater prevalence of impacted third molars than the maxilla 62.1% vs. 37.9%; P=0.001). In the mandible, significantly higher frequencies of third molar impaction were noted in the distoangular and vertical positions (36.9% and 33.5%). In the maxilla, the most common angulation of impacted third molars was mesioangular (52.8%). Most impacted third molars recorded a Class C depth of impaction (62.3%) followed by Class B (34.9%), and only 2.8% recorded a Class A depth of impaction. Conclusion: The samples of third molar impaction in the Kosovar population are characterized by a high prevalence of impaction, especially in the mandible. The most common angulation was the mesial in the maxilla as well as in the mandible. The most common level of impaction in the maxilla and mandible was level C.

Impact of the presence of partially erupted third molars on the local radiographic bone condition

The decision on retaining or prophylactically removing asymptomatic lower third molars is still discussed in the literature. This study aimed to verify the association between asymptomatic lower third molars and local bone conditions through periapical radiographs. Based on sample size calculations, 288 radiographs were required. Dependent variables were alveolar bone crest status and radiolucency between the distal aspect of the third molar crown and the ascending mandibular ramus. Independent variables were sex, age, Pell and Gregory and Winter’s classification, angulation and distance between second and third molars, third molar side. Advanced ages (OR 1.15; CI 1.08–1.24; p < 0.001) and greater third molar angulations (OR 1.03; CI 1.01–1.04; p < 0.001) significantly increased the chance of radiographic alterations in the bone crest between second and third molars. Radiolucency distal to third molars was solely impacted by patient’s age (OR 1.05; CI 1.01–1.11; p = 0.036). Older patients and lower third molars with greater angulations about adjacent second molar should be evaluated for third molar removal because of the increased chance of alveolar bone crest alterations. Older patients should also be monitored for wider radiolucent pericoronal spaces distal to lower third molars and its consequences.