Exploring the Association Between Third Molar Agenesis and Carabelli Traits: A Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Human Genetics
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Dental agenesis, the congenital absence of teeth, is linked to other dental anomalies.
• The Carabelli trait is a common dental anomaly observed on molars.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between third molar agenesis and the Carabelli trait in permanent molars.
• To determine if wisdom tooth agenesis correlates with specific molar morphological variations.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study analyzed orthodontic records of 155 German patients.
• The presence of the Carabelli trait in permanent maxillary molars and third molar agenesis was recorded.
• Statistical analysis (Chi-squared test) was employed to assess the association.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant association was found between third molar agenesis and the Carabelli trait (p > 0.05).
• The Carabelli trait was more prevalent in first molars compared to second molars.
• No significant sex-based differences were observed in the prevalence of third molar agenesis or Carabelli traits.

Conclusions:

• Third molar agenesis is not statistically associated with the Carabelli trait in permanent molars within this study population.
• The findings suggest these two dental anomalies occur independently.