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Third Molar Agenesis Is Associated with Facial Size
Nikolaos Gkantidis1, Manuel Tacchi1, Elias S Oeschger1
1Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland.
Biology
|August 6, 2021
Summary
Congenital absence of third molars (wisdom teeth) is linked to smaller facial structures. This association suggests a shared developmental pathway influencing both tooth and craniofacial size in humans.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Anthropology
- Genetics
Background:
- Congenital tooth agenesis, excluding third molars, correlates with reduced craniofacial size.
- The relationship between isolated third molar agenesis and craniofacial dimensions remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between isolated third molar agenesis and craniofacial size.
- To determine if third molar agenesis influences the dimensions of the maxilla, mandible, and overall facial structure.
Main Methods:
- Utilized geometric morphometric methods to analyze craniofacial configurations.
- Compared individuals with and without isolated third molar agenesis.
Main Results:
- Agenesis of third molars is significantly associated with smaller maxilla, mandible, and overall facial size.
- The reduction in craniofacial size increases proportionally with the number of missing third molars.
- Effects of third molar agenesis were observed even in the contralateral jaw.
Conclusions:
- Isolated third molar agenesis is part of a developmental mechanism that also leads to craniofacial size reduction.
- This phenomenon may reflect an evolutionary trend towards smaller teeth and facial structures in humans.
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