Prevalence Of Third Molars Research Articles

Prevalence and Pattern of Tooth Impaction: A Radiographic Study in a Trinidadian Population.

The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the prevalence and patterns of impacted third molars in a Trinidadian population. A total of 1500 orthopantomograms (OPG) taken at the School of Dentistry, University of the West Indies, from 2008 to 2019 in patients between 15 and 67 years old were evaluated. From the data collected, the prevalence of third molar impaction, the parameters of gender, angulation, level of impaction, and associated pathologies were evaluated. Other types of impacted teeth were also recorded. Of the 1500 OPG viewed, 408 (27.2%) of the study sample presented with at least one impacted third molar. 161 (39.5%) were males and 247 (60.5%) were females, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.5. There was a greater incidence of mandibular third molars versus maxillary third molars, which had a frequency of 77.9% and 22.1%, respectively. The most common type of impaction (Winter's classification) was horizontal in the mandible and distoangular in the maxilla. The most common level of impaction in the mandible (Pell and Gregory classification) was level 1A. The total number of impacted teeth was 775, and of these, 75 (9.7%) showed other impacted teeth besides the third molars. Canines and second premolars were the most prevalent with 7.6% and 1.5%, respectively. Caries on the second molar (49.3%) and third molars (40%) were the most frequently associated pathologies identified. The prevalence of impacted wisdom teeth in this study was 27%. These results raise awareness and provide insight among dental professionals in Trinidad as to the prevalence of impacted third molars, their patterns, as well as commonly associated pathologies, and the need for screening within the population.

The prevalence association between the pattern of impacted third molars and their common hard tissues pathologies among the big Tripoli city population: A digital panoramic radiography retrospective study

Background: Third molar impaction is a prevalent condition that affects a substantial percentage of the global population, with a global prevalence ranging from 16.7% to 68.6%. 2. Nearly half of impacted third molars are associated with some form of pathology.Aim: To ascertain the prevalence of third molars that have been impacted in the large Tripoli, Libyan population, in relation to the level of eruption, the angulation of impaction, their accompanying pathologies, and associated demographic data (sex and age of the patients).Material and Methods: The 8860 digital panoramic radiographs (PRs) from the large Tripoli city population were obtained retrospectively for the current investigation. Using Microsoft Excel, the sampled PRs were assessed, and the information gathered was collated and examined (Microsoft Office 2013). The data was examined using the Chi-Square analysis technique.Results: A total sample of 8860 digital panoramic radiograph, 2077 (23.4%) cases of impacted third molars to show at least one impacted third molar. The prevalence of impacted third molars was found significantly higher in the twenties and thirties age groups (35.1%).A total of 2077 digital PRS were diagnosed with impacted third molars out of which 642 (31%) were associated with pathologies.Conclusion: This study's sample of impacted third molars demonstrated a low frequency in the large Tripoli population. Males are more prone than females to have an impaction. The most prevalent impaction patterns were mesioangular angulation, level C impaction, and class II impaction. The enlargement of the periodontal ligament space was one of the most frequent related hard tissue diseases.

Investigation of the prevalence of impacted third molars and the effects of eruption level and angulation on caries development by panoramic radiographs.

Background This study is aimed to determine the prevalence of impacted third molars and to investigate the effects of their eruption level and angulation on caries formation in the distal of the adjacent tooth.Material and Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on panoramic radiographs of 38481 patients who were admitted to the Trakya University, Faculty of Dentistry. The panoramic radiographs of 7998 patients with at least one impacted third molar were included. Third molars were classified according to Winter’s classification and Pell and Gregory’s classification. The frequency of caries in partially impacted third molars and adjacent second molars was determined. The chi-square tests were used to determine potential associations between the third molars' level of eruption, angulation, and caries development.Results The study group consisted of 4423 females (55.3%) and 3575 males (44.7%) with a mean age of 36.3±13.4 years. The prevalence of the third molar impaction rate was 23%. The impaction pattern of partially erupted third molars was characterized by an eruption level of A with the vertical position in both jaws. Partially erupted and vertically placed maxillary third molars in the level of position A caused more caries in the adjacent tooth and mesioangularly located partially erupted mandibular third molars were associated with more caries in the adjacent tooth.Conclusions The angulation and eruption level of partially erupted third molars should be carefully examined. The prophylactic extraction of vertically and mesioangularly located third molars, especially with an eruption level of position A can be suggested to eliminate the related complications and risk of caries. Key words:Dental caries, digital radiography, impacted tooth, panoramic radiography, third molar.

Radiographic evaluation of third molar impaction: A digital panoramic stud

Background: The impaction of third molar can compromise adjacent teeth by increasing the risk of developing dentoalveolar lesions. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of impacted third molar in association to patients' demographics and its angulation among patients who visited dental clinics at the College of Dentistry, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University. Settings and Design: Retrospective radiographic study of patients visiting Dental Hospital. Subjects and Methods: Data were obtained from the dental records and digital orthopantomogram (OPG) of included study sample. Statistical Analysis: The Chi-square test was used to determine the association of impacted third molars with sex and nationality, whereas another two methods, analysis of variance, and Tukey post hoc test were applied, respectively, to establish the association of impacted third molars with the age of the patients. Results: A total of 1286 OPGs were collected and analyzed for the suitability of the study. Of these 1068 patients fulfilled the criteria for inclusion in the study, among them, 206 (19.3%) had at least one impacted third molar. Female population had a significantly high prevalence of third molars compared to male (P = 0.02). Similarly, the age of the patients was found to be significantly associated with impacted teeth (P < 0.001); also, the vertical and mesioangular impactions were found in 46.5% and 32.2% of the patients, respectively. Conclusion: The study found a low female predilection for the prevalence of third molar impaction with highest inclination at the young age that decreases with the growing age. Vertical impaction had the highest prevalence followed by mesioangular angulation.

Prevalence of third molars determined by panoramic radiographs in a population-based survey of adult Finns.

The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence of third molars in panoramic radiographs in a population-based study of adults aged ≥30years. Out of a sample of 8028 inhabitants of Finland, selected with two-staged stratified cluster-sampling method for the Health 2000 Survey, 5989 participated in clinical oral examination and panoramic radiography. Mean age was 52.5years (SD 14.6; range 30-97years). The following variables were included in the analysis: participant characteristics, clinical number of all teeth, and radiographic prevalence and characteristics of third molars. Statistics included chi-squared, Fisher's exact, and Kruskal-Wallis tests and SAS-SUDAAN calculations. A total of 5912 third molars in 47.8% of the study population were recorded from panoramic radiographs. At least one impacted third molar was found in 21.9% of the study population. More than half (57.3%) of the remaining third molars were located in the mandible. A preponderance of participants with all third molars missing were observed in the oldest age group, women, those with lower education and those living in the countryside. Third molars or remnants thereof were observed radiographically in 3.9% of clinically edentulous study population. The panoramic radiographs disclosed many remaining third molars in adult Finns aged ≥30years. One-third of the third molars located impacted which may cause unexpected need for care.

Study of pattern and prevalence of mandibular impacted third molar among Delhi-National Capital Region population with newer proposed classification of mandibular impacted third molar: A retrospective study.

Aim/Objective:The mandibular third molar is the most frequently impacted tooth with incidence varies from 9.5% to 68% in different populations. Hence, the aim was to study the prevalence and pattern of mandibular impacted third molar among Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) population.Materials and Methods:The study was conducted with data collected from registered hospitals and dental clinics of Delhi NCR region. The study represents a retrospective analysis of panoramic radiographs and intraoral periapical radiograph of patients at these centers from June 2014 to June 2016.Results:Out of 960 patients with the third molar investigated, a total of 250 patients having impacted mandibular third molar (152 [60.8%] males and 98 [39.2%]) females between June 2014 and June 2016 were included in the study. The age ranged from 20 to 55 years, with a mean age of 27.6 years and the standard deviation was 5.8 years. The prevalence of impacted mandibular third molars for this study was 26.04%.Conclusion:This study demonstrated that males (60.8%) were more likely to present with impacted mandibular third molars than females (39.2%). The prevalence of third molar impactions was almost the same on both the left (45.8%) and right (54.2%) sides. This study also noted that mesioangular impactions (49.2%) were the most common type of impaction. The least common form of impactions was the transverse types (2%). The prevalence of impacted mandibular third molars for this study was 26.04%.

Theories that underlie the prevalence of third molar impaction: New theory

IntroductionThe purpose of this review was to introduce a new theory being the mechanical theory which hypothesizes that modernization is related to a reduction in the functional activities of the jaw which in turn negatively impacted the structure of the jaw, mandibular teeth line. A secondary aim was to briefly review the evolution and growth theories. Based on the information that were reviewed, it was found that modern societies possess higher prevalence of temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Materials & methodsThe proposed mechanical theory is an added value to explain the impact of modernization on the prevalence of impacted third molar. During this transition societal factors and peoples’ quality of life changes people’s eating behavior and the associated activities of the mastication apparatus, jaw activities. The aim of this review was to introduce a new theory being the mechanical theory which hypothesizes that modernization is related to a reduction in the functional activities of the jaw which in turn negatively impacted the structure of the jaw, mandibular teeth line. A secondary aim was to briefly review the evolution and growth theories. ConclusionBased on the information that were reviewed, it was found that modern societies possess higher prevalence of temporomandibular joint dysfunction. The proposed mechanical theory is an added value to explain the impact of modernization on the prevalence of impacted third molar.

Prevalence of impacted third molars among orthodontic patients in different malocclusions.

The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the prevalence and pattern of third molar impaction and missing third molars in patients over 18 years in different anteroposterior skeletal patterns among central Indian populations. The study reviewed 357 orthopantomograms of patients attending the Government College of Dentistry, Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Patients were evaluated to determine the prevalence of third molar impaction, angulation, and level of eruption in Class I, Class II, and Class III patients using Winter's classification to determine angulation of third molars and Pell and Gregory classification for level of impaction. Out of 357 patients, 187 (52.3%) were present with at least one impacted teeth. The third molar impaction was most commonly present in Class II malocclusion (60.65%). Overall, the most common angulation of impaction in both genders was the mesioangular (39%), and the most common level of impaction in both arches was Level B. In Class I, Class II and Class III malocclusion vertical angulation was the most common finding in the maxillary arch and mesioangular angulation in the mandibular arch. No significant association was observed between different types of malocclusion and third molar impaction (P > 0.4648). This study found that almost half of the adult patients above 18 years had at least one impacted third molar. The anteroposterior relationship does not have any significant role for the third molar impaction.

Prevalence and patterns of tooth agenesis among malocclusion classes in a Japanese orthodontic population.

The purpose of the present study was to assess, in detail, the association between tooth agenesis (TA) and various sagittal skeletal malocclusion groups in a Japanese orthodontic population. One thousand and twenty patients were divided into skeletal Class I, II, or III malocclusion groups using the A point, nasion, and B point angle. TA was identified in each group using panoramic radiographs. Patients with class III malocclusion exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of third molar (M3) agenesis, bilateral and overall agenesis of the maxillary M3s than those patients with a class II malocclusion. Those with a Class II malocclusion demonstrated a significantly lower prevalence of overall agenesis of the mandibular M3s than those with class I or III malocclusions. There were no significant differences in the prevalence of agenesis of teeth other than the M3s between the skeletal malocclusion groups. In each group, there was significantly more M3 agenesis present in the maxilla than in the mandible, and agenesis of the incisors and second premolars was found more often in the mandible than in the maxilla. Sagittal jaw relationships were significantly associated with M3 agenesis but were not associated with agenesis of the maxillary and mandibular incisors and second premolars.

Is There a Possible Association between Skeletal Face Types and Third Molar Impaction? A Retrospective Radiographic Study

Objective: Third molar impaction is seen much more than impaction of any other tooth as they are the last teeth to erupt. Inadequate retromolar space and the direction of eruption may be contributing factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between third molar impaction and different skeletal face types. Subjects and Methods: Panoramic and lateral cephalometric radiographs of 158 orthodontic patients (aged 19–25 years) were retrieved from the archived records of the Necmettin Erbakan University Faculty of Dentistry, Konya, Turkey. Third molar impaction was classified on the basis of Winter’s classification. The skeletal facial type was determined by a measure of the angle created by the lines Ba-Na and Pt-Gn. The mean was 90 ± 2 and this value was regarded as mesofacial. An angle of > 93° was regarded as brachyfacial and an angle of < 87° as dolichofacial. Results: The overall presence of mandibular and maxillary third molar impactions was 65.2 and 38.6%, respectively. Although there was a statistically significant difference between different skeletal facial types and mandibular third molar impaction (p < 0.05), no statistically significant differences were observed between different skeletal facial types and maxillary third molar impaction (p > 0.05). Brachyfacials demonstrated a lower prevalence of third molar impaction than dolichofacials. Conclusions: Different skeletal face types were associated with mandibular third molar impaction. Brachyfacials, who have a greater horizontal facial growth pattern than dolichofacials, showed a lower prevalence of impacted mandibular third molars.

Contrasting Patterns for Missing Third Molars in the United States and Sweden

The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of third molars from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and the Swedish survey. This cross-sectional study involved the comparison of the only published data on third molar prevalence. The number of visible third molars in the NHANES of 2011 through 2012 were assessed in nonclinical settings by trained, calibrated dental hygienists and reported by age decade (approximately 5,000 patients). Similar data were reported for the Swedish population with data collected in clinical settings (approximately 700 patients). The primary outcome variable was the number of third molars (0 to 4); the predictor variables were age cohorts (20 to 29 through 70 to 79yr). Outcome data were reported with descriptive statistics. In the youngest cohort (20 to 29yr), having no visible third molars was more likely in the US population than in the Swedish population (47 vs 2%, respectively). By 50 to 59years, outcomes for no third molars were similar in the United States and Sweden (53 and 57%, respectively). The presence or absence of third molars reported from the US and Swedish populations presented contrasting patterns, particularly in the younger cohorts. More comprehensive and detailed data are required in future surveys as population studies on third molars become more important for clinicians and other stakeholders.

Prevalence of Visible Third Molars in the United States Population: How Many Individuals Have Third Molars?

To determine the prevalence of third molars in the US population and to report the differences in prevalence of visible third molars in the most recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) population of 2011 through 2012 by participant, jaw, and demographics. The number of visible third molars in the NHANES data was assessed in nonclinical settings by trained, calibrated dental hygienists by decade of age beginning in the 20- to 29-year-old cohort through the 70- to 79-year-old cohort. Cross-sectional analyses of third molar data were conducted by the authors from the NHANES databases of 2001 through 2002, 2009 through 2010, and 2011 through 2012 to compare data for similarity of outcomes on third molar prevalence in the US population. Outcomes on third molar prevalence also were assessed from the NHANES of 2011 through 2012 by participant, jaw, and demographics: gender, race or ethnicity (Caucasian, African American, other), and education (less than high school, high school graduate, some college, college graduate). Data on the mean number of third molars from NHANES of 2001 through 2002, 2009 through 2010, and 2011 through 2012 were similar. The number of visible third molars in the NHANES of 2011 through 2012 decreased progressively from a mean of 1.48 in the 20- to 29-year-old cohort to 0.81 in the 60- to 69-year-old cohort, No visible third molars were observed in 47% of the 20- to 29-year-old cohort compared with 53% in the 50- to 59-year-old cohort. Participants who were male, non-Caucasian, and had less than a high school education were more likely to have a visible third molar in all age cohorts. No data were collected by NHANES examiners to determine why third molars were absent. Third molar prevalence did not appear to differ in the US population during the first decade of the 21st century. Numbers of visible third molars, prevalent in young adults, decreased progressively through each successive age cohort. Demographic differences exist for prevalence of third molars in the US population.

Study of prevalence of third molar according to Pell and Gregory classification

The aim of this study was to review the medical charts of patients asking for extraction of impacted mandibular third molars at the clinic of the Faculty of Dentistry (Finis Terrae University, Chile) in the period January 2009–May 2010.

Prevalence of Third Molars With Caries Experience or Periodontal Pathology in Young Adults

We assessed the prevalence of caries experience and periodontal pathology on asymptomatic third molars in young adults. Healthy subjects with 4 asymptomatic third molars were enrolled in an institutional review board-approved study during a 5-year period. Full mouth periodontal probing, 6 sites per tooth, was the measure of clinical periodontal status. The presence or absence of occlusal caries experience (carious lesions or restorations, including sealants) on third molars and on any surface of the first and second molars were assessed using a visual-tactile examination and panoramic radiographs. The primary outcome measures were at least 1 periodontal probing depth of at least 4 mm versus none and caries experience versus no caries experience. The data were analyzed from 409 subjects, who averaged 25 years old. More subjects were female (53%) and white (76%). More subjects had at least 1 periodontal probing depth of 4 mm or deeper on a third molar (55%) than on the distal of a second molar (46%). These findings were more likely to be detected around a third molar in subjects with all third molars at the occlusal plane (72%) than in subjects with at least one third molar below (33%). Overall, fewer subjects were affected by third molar caries experience than first or second molars (24% vs 73%, respectively). Of the subset of subjects with all four third molars at the occlusal plane, 26% were affected by both third molar periodontal pathology and caries experience and 16% were caries and periodontal pathology free. In these cross-sectional analyses, periodontal pathology was detected more frequently on third molars than on first and second molars and caries experience was detected more frequently on first and second molars than on third molars.

Prevalence of Third Molars With Caries Experience or Periodontal Pathology in Young Adults

Assess the prevalence of caries experience and periodontal pathology on asymptomatic third molars in young adults. Healthy subjects with four asymptomatic third molars were enrolled in an IRB-approved longitudinal study at two academic clinical centers over a six year period ending in 2002. Data were collected from each subject at enrollment. Full-mouth periodontal probing, 6 sites per tooth, was conducted as a measure of clinical periodontal status. The presence or absence of caries experience (carious lesions or restorations including sealants) in the occlusal surface of third molars and on any surface of first/second molars were assessed by a visual-tactile caries examination and panoramic radiographs. The primary outcome measures were periodontal probing depth, no probing depth ≥4 mm (PD4-) or at least one 4 mm probing depth (PD4+) and caries experience (DFS+ or DFS-). Descriptive statistics. Data were analyzed from 409 subjects who averaged 25 years old. More subjects were female, 53%, or Caucasian, 76%, but African American subjects were well represented, 14%. Most subjects, 89%, were educated beyond high school. More subjects, 55%, had a PD4+ on a third molar as compared to the distal of a second molar (D2M), 46%. Only 11% subjects had a D2M PD4+ without a third molar also affected. Overall, fewer subjects, 24%, were affected by caries on the third molar (DFS+) than on the first/second molar, 73%. Of the subset of subjects with all four third molars (n=229 ) at the occlusal plane (OP), at least one PD4+ was more likely to be detected around a third molar as compared to subjects who did not have all third molars at the OP. In this subset, 26% were affected by both third molar DFS+ and PD4+, and 16% were free of both caries experience and periodontal pathology. In this cross-sectional analysis of data from healthy young adults, periodontal pathology was detected more frequently on asymptomatic third molars as compared to first/second molar teeth; caries experience was detected more frequently on first/second molars as compared to third molars. Sixteen percent of subjects with four asymptomatic third molars at the occlusal plane were free of both periodontal pathology and caries experience.

Prevalence of Third Molars in Middle-Aged and Older Americans With No Caries Experience or Periodontal Disease

Prevalence of Third Molars in Middle-Aged and Older Americans With No Caries Experience or Periodontal Disease

Changes in mandibular third molar angle and position after unilateral mandibular first molar extraction

Third molars often become impacted because of lack of space for their eruption. Because the third molars play an important role occlusally, premolars or second molars are sometimes extracted to create space. First molars are seldom extracted to create space, but they are occasionally extracted for other reasons, especially caries. The aim of this study was to investigate the spontaneous angular and positional changes in mandibular third molars when mandibular first molars are extracted. The sample consisted of panoramic radiographs of 107 patients (age, 18-40 years; mean, 25.69 years) who had unilateral mandibular first-molar extractions (because of caries) before age 16. Ramus relationship, impaction depth, and angulation of third molars on the extraction and nonextraction sides were assessed. A chi-square test was performed to compare the differences. The prevalence of third molars at the anterior border of the mandibular ramus was significantly greater on the extraction side than on the nonextraction side (P < .001). Third molars were positioned more occlusally in the mandible on the nonextraction side than on the extraction side (P < .001). The prevalence of vertically angulated third molars was greater on the extraction side than on the nonextraction side (P < .001). Mandibular first-molar extraction increases the space for mandibular third-molar eruption and helps the third molars move into better positions. But early extraction can lead to uncontrolled tipping of adjacent teeth into the extraction space. Only third-molar angle and position were evaluated in this study; problems such as dental asymmetry, premature contacts, and uncontrolled tipping should be assessed in the future.

An orthopantomography study of prevalence of impacted teeth

Orthopantomograms of a total of 4,063 individuals were included in the study and were taken from patients of the Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku. Impacted teeth were found in 14.1% of the patients. The teeth most frequently impacted were the third molars, 76.1%, and of these, no difference between the maxilla and mandible was observed. No difference in sex in the prevalence of third molars was observed. The prevalence of impacted maxillary cuspids was higher in females than in males. When the prevalence of the third molars in different age-groups was studied, a decrease was found with an increase in age. The prevalence of impacted cuspids was approximately the same in different age-groups.