Three Aspects of the Third Molar - Rozkovcova - 2007

This study presents the essence of three already published articles with a common topic of the third molar. The first two parts of the study are taken as pilot studies of the development and agenesis of the third molar in the Czech population. In the data file of 1,700 panoramic radiographs of individuals ranging between 5-21 years (inclusive) of age, numerous characteristics were followed. From them, the time of dental follicle formation, dynamics of development and the incidence of third molars agenesis have been assessed. All data are differentiated considering sex and upper and lower jaw. Final results are specific for the Czech population, and complete the picture of adolescents' oral health. Analyzing the results of the third molar development the authors get to the not yet described finding that in individuals with 1 to 3 third molar agenesis the development of founded third molars has been statistically significantly delayed in contrast to individuals with four third molars present. Retardation is directly proportional to the number of non-founded third molars. This finding becomes a basis for developing a new method of age estimation in young individuals according to the state of their third molars development. The basic principle on which this method is based forms the contents of the third part of the study. The developmental stage of the most developed third molar of an individual constitutes the determining factor for age estimation. Corresponding age is assessed according to a table. The table is made so that to allow to read the age of individuals with four third molars present and also the age of individuals with agenesis. Unlike methods used in adult age, this new method shows a high degree of accuracy.

Keywords

Third molar development - Third molar agenesis - Third molar as an age indicator

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