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Third molar agenesis: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis
N Angelakopoulos1, R Merdietio Boedi2, A Franco3
1Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Division of Forensic Dentistry, Faculdade São Leopoldo Mandic, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
Archives of Oral Biology
|June 19, 2026
Summary
Approximately one quarter of the global population experiences third molar (M3) agenesis, the congenital absence of teeth. This prevalence is consistent across recent studies and impacts clinical, forensic, and academic fields.
Area of Science:
- Dental Anthropology
- Human Genetics
- Population Health
Background:
- Third molar (M3) agenesis is the most common dental anomaly in permanent dentition.
- Previous prevalence estimates for M3 agenesis vary significantly across populations and methodologies.
- An updated global prevalence assessment is needed, incorporating recent research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the global prevalence and patterns of M3 agenesis.
- To update previous findings by including studies published since 2015.
- To analyze M3 agenesis prevalence based on sex and jaw (maxilla vs. mandible).
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search across major databases (PubMed, Scopus, etc.).
- Inclusion of studies reporting radiographically diagnosed M3 agenesis in individuals aged 11 years and older.
- Random-effects meta-analyses to pool prevalence data and assess differences by sex and jaw.
Main Results:
- Analysis included 125 data points from 87,282 individuals.
- Pooled global prevalence of M3 agenesis was 23.07% (95% CI: 21.2-25.0%), with high heterogeneity.
- Males showed slightly lower odds of agenesis than females (OR=0.84); maxillary agenesis was more common than mandibular (OR=1.56).
Conclusions:
- Agenesis of at least one M3 affects approximately 25% of the global population.
- This prevalence highlights the significance of M3 agenesis in clinical, forensic, and academic contexts.
- Findings provide a current, evidence-based estimate of M3 agenesis prevalence worldwide.
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