Biology and Medicine

Abstract

Study on the Prevalence of Eruption Status of Third Molars in South Indian Population

Swarna Meenakshi Sivaramakrishnan and Pratibha Ramani

Context: To date, there are very few studies regarding the eruption status of third molars in South Indian population. This study aims to analyse the eruption status of third molars and also the reasons behind their impactions. Aim: To study the prevalence of eruption status of third molars in South Indian population. Materials and methods: Status of third molars was evaluated radio graphically for 150 subjects (75 males and 75 females) and the impaction status, eruption status and congenital absence of third molars were recorded. Statistical analysis used: The results were analysed using chi-square test. Results: Out of the expected number of molars in 150 patients i.e. 600, only 317 molars (52.8%) were completely erupted and 250(41.6%) failed to erupt completely and were impacted and 33(5.5%) molars were congenitally absent. Conclusion: Third molar impactions have a mandibular predisposition. Third molar impaction showed a predilection towards females than males.Agenesis of third molars was more common in females than in males and was more common on the right side. The most common pattern of impaction was Mesioangular followed by vertical which is more common on the left side, horizontal which is common on the right side. The most commonly impacted teeth were 18 and 48