Change in clinical status of third molars in adults during 12 years of observation

The aim of the study was to follow the clinical changes in third molar status during a 12-year period in patients aged 20 to 32 years.

The study was based on a follow-up of 81 university students (32 men, 49 women). They were clinically examined and panoramic radiographs were taken at baseline (mean age, 20.7+/-0.5 years) and at the end of the study (mean age, 32.6+/-0.6 years).

The students had 285 unerupted, partially erupted, or fully erupted third molars at the beginning of the study, and 150 at the end. On final examination, 115 teeth were erupted. During the first 6 years from age 20 to 26, various clinical changes took place in the status of the third molars. In the second 6 years, until age 32, the two main changes were either removal or eruption. During the 12-year follow-up, 22% of third molars erupted, a few even after 26 years of age; the percentage of third molars removed was 42%.

Third molars undergo continuous clinical change at least up to the age of 32 years.