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Clinical observations on the development of third molars.
Journal of Osaka Dental University
|October 1, 1992
Summary
This study reveals key developmental timelines for third molars in Japanese individuals, noting variations in calcification, eruption, and congenital absence between sexes and jaw locations. These findings aid in pediatric dental planning and understanding occlusal development.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Human Biology
- Radiology
Background:
- Third molars, or wisdom teeth, exhibit significant variability in their development and presence.
- Understanding the developmental patterns of third molars is crucial for orthodontic and pediatric dental care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental conditions of third molars in a Japanese population.
- To establish normative data for third molar calcification, eruption, and prevalence.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of panoramic radiographs from 9,111 children and 2,769 university students.
- Assessment of third molar calcification initiation and completion, tooth germ presence, eruption direction, microdontia, and congenital absence.
Main Results:
- Calcification begins early (7-9 years), with crown completion by 11-12 years on average.
- Tooth germ presence at 13+ years varies (65-80%), and complete absence occurs in 9.5-12% of individuals.
- Congenital absence is more common in females and in the maxilla; vertical eruption is prevalent in the maxilla (50-70%).
Conclusions:
- The study provides detailed developmental data for Japanese third molars, highlighting sex and location-specific differences.
- Findings can inform clinical pediatric dentistry, particularly in guiding occlusal development and managing third molar anomalies.