Is the third molar erupting at a younger age than before?

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Anthropology
• Public Health

Background:

• Knowledge on third molar eruption timing in the Finnish population is over 50 years old.
• Updated data is crucial for accurate dental age estimation and clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To update the established knowledge on the age of third molar eruption in the Finnish population.
• To provide current eruption data for dental and anthropological research.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective and cross-sectional study of 710 digital panoramic radiographs from Finnish patients aged 15-23 years.
• Third molars were assessed for vertical position and eruption stage (in bone, alveolar emergence, gingival emergence, complete emergence).
• Statistical analysis included chi-squared, Mann-Whitney U, and median tests.

Main Results:

• 53.0% of 2502 third molars were in a vertical position.
• Median age for gingival emergence (stage C) ranged from 19.8 to 20.8 years.
• Median age for reaching the occlusal level (stage D) ranged from 20.8 to 21.8 years, varying by sex and jaw.

Conclusions:

• Median ages for third molar eruption in the Finnish population are lower than those reported over half a century ago.
• These findings necessitate an update in dental age assessment standards and clinical considerations.