Prevalence of visible third molars with caries experience or periodontal pathology in middle-aged and older Americans

To assess the prevalence of periodontal pathology and caries experience in visible third molars, as well as the relationship of these findings to periodontal pathology and caries experience in teeth more anterior in the mouth.

Data were from 6,793 Dental Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities participants who underwent a clinical examination for periodontal disease and coronal caries experience and who retained at least 1 visible third molar. Outcome variables were the detection of periodontal pathology or coronal caries experience on visible third molars and on teeth more anterior in the mouth (non-third molars). Periodontal probing depths at least 4 mm (PD4+) and clinical attachment levels at least 3 mm (CAL3+) were indicator variables for periodontal pathology. At least 1 carious/decayed coronal surface or filled coronal surface was an indicator variable for caries experience. Outcomes for third molar and non-third molar teeth were compared by descriptive statistics and χ(2) tests with statistical significance set at P < .05.

A third of the 6,793 Dental Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities subjects, who averaged 62 years of age, had at least 1 visible third molar. Subjects were more likely to have at least 1 third molar CAL3+ as compared with at least 1 third molar PD4+: 78% versus 61%. PD4+ and CAL3+ were significantly more prevalent among non-third molars as compared with third molars (P < .01). Most subjects, 73%, had restorations on visible third molars and non-third molars, and over two-thirds of subjects had a visible third molar with caries experience and periodontal pathology. Fewer than 2% of subjects had third molars free of caries experience or periodontal pathology.

Most subjects had clinical evidence of caries experience or periodontal pathology on visible third molars; few subjects had visible third molars that were disease free. Subjects with periodontal pathology or caries experience on third molars were significantly more likely to have these findings detected on teeth more anterior in the mouth.