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Timing of human mandibular third molar formation.
1Dental Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK. h.m.liversidge@qmul.ac.uk
Annals of Human Biology
|June 24, 2008
Summary
South African Black children show earlier mandibular third molar development than other groups. This study highlights significant population differences in tooth formation timing, crucial for forensic and anthropological research.
Area of Science:
- Anthropology
- Dentistry
- Human Biology
Background:
- Tooth formation timing can reveal population differences.
- The third molar (wisdom tooth) is the only tooth fully visible radiographically from start to finish.
- Studying third molar development aids in understanding population variations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document and compare the timing of mandibular third molar formation in diverse ethnic groups.
- To investigate population-specific differences in tooth development.
- To establish a baseline for third molar maturation in different populations.
Main Methods:
- Panoramic radiographs of children aged 5-24 from England (White, Bangladeshi) and South Africa (Black African, Cape Coloured) were analyzed.
- Logistic regression calculated mean ages for third molar developmental stages (crypt to root completion).
- T-tests compared developmental timing between sexes and ethnic groups.
Main Results:
- Mandibular third molar development occurred significantly later (p < 0.001) in most groups compared to South African Black children.
- Initial mineralization (crypt appearance) ranged from 7.97 to 9.74 years on average.
- Apex closure occurred between 19.27 and 20.88 years on average.
Conclusions:
- Significant differences in mandibular third molar maturation timing exist between the studied populations.
- South African Black children exhibit earlier third molar development compared to White, Bangladeshi, and Cape Coloured children.
- These findings provide novel insights into population-based variations in human dental development.
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