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Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Published in:

01-06-2015 | Original Article

Evaluation of third molar development and its relation to chronological age: a panoramic radiographic study

Authors: Mohammad Zandi, Abbas Shokri, Hamid Malekzadeh, Payam Amini, Parastu Shafiey

Published in: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | Issue 2/2015

Abstract

Introduction

Third molar development, in comparison to other teeth in the dentition, has the greatest variation in morphology, anatomical position, and time of development and eruption, and its reliability for chronological age estimation is controversial. The aim of the present study was to evaluate third molar development and its relation to chronological age using panoramic radiography.

Material and methods

A total of 2536 digital panoramic radiographs of individuals aged between 5 and 26 years were selected. The developmental status of the third molars was assessed using eight-stage developmental scoring proposed by Demirjian et al., with one modification: a stage 0 was added. The collected data were entered into a checklist and subjected to statistical analyses.

Results

The mean ages of the first appearance of third molar bud, complete crown formation, and root apex closure were around 9, 14, and 22 years, respectively. In both jaws, third molar development occurred symmetrically, and sexual dimorphism was observed at some developmental stages. Finally, two formulas were presented to estimate age of the juveniles and adolescents based on their gender and developmental stages of the third molars, and validated on a second sample consisting of 523 individuals aged between 8 and 22.

Conclusion

Assessment of third molar development was found to be a reliable method for age estimation of individuals between 11 and 22 years. Because of possible ethnic and geographic differences in third molar development, population specific researches were recommended.

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Title: Evaluation of third molar development and its relation to chronological age: a panoramic radiographic study
Authors: Mohammad Zandi
Abbas Shokri
Hamid Malekzadeh
Payam Amini
Parastu Shafiey
Publication date: 01-06-2015
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery / Issue 2/2015
Print ISSN: 1865-1550
Electronic ISSN: 1865-1569
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10006-014-0475-0

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Evaluation of third molar development and its relation to chronological age: a panoramic radiographic study

Abstract

Introduction

Material and methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Material and methods

Results

Conclusion

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