Eruption of third permanent molars after the extraction of second permanent molars. Part 1: Assessment of third molar position and size.

The eruptive path of third molars after extraction of second molars was examined in 63 patients. Panoramic radiographs from the start and the end of active treatment and 3 or more years after treatment were assessed. Study models were used to compare the size of the second and third molars and to assess the final position of the third molars. All third molars erupted; none became impacted. During eruption, maxillary third molar crowns uprighted and maintained their angulation as they came into occlusion. Mandibular third molar crowns continued to upright significantly mesiodistally after active treatment, with space closure the result of horizontal translation rather than mesial tipping. Further uprighting occurred once occlusion was established, although few became as upright as the second molars they replaced. However, mandibular third molar roots were frequently curved distally, thus the third molar crown position was invariably better than the overall tooth angulation would suggest, by 16.5 degrees on average. Model analysis (Richardsons' scoring system) showed 96% of mandibular and 99% of maxillary third molars erupted into a good or acceptable position. Limitations of this scoring system are discussed. The mesiodistal size of third molars was suitable to replace second molars; on average, mandibular third molars were 0.55 mm larger and maxillary third molars were 0.7 mm smaller than second molars.     

磨牙倾斜角度和萌出间隙对第三磨牙萌出的影响

目的研究影响第三磨牙阻生或萌出的一些客观因素。方法选择86例(男37例,女49例)平均年龄25.4岁,上下颌第三磨牙均存在的患者,将其分为萌出组和阻生组,利用曲面断层片对患者上下颌第三磨牙的近中倾斜角、牙冠近远中径、磨牙后间隙、磨牙后间隙和牙冠近远中径的比值进行测量分析。结果上颌萌出组萌出间隙较阻生组大1.95mm,第二磨牙和第三磨牙长轴交角相差12.53°,萌出组第三磨牙近远中径比阻生组小0.69mm,有统计学差异。下颌萌出组萌出间隙L-ES(R)较阻生组平均值大3.33mm;第三磨牙与牙合平面交角阻生组较萌出组大32.48°;萌出组与阻生组的磨牙后间隙/牙冠近远中径平均值分别为1.05、0.85,3项指标差异均有显著性(P<0.01)。下颌第三磨牙近远中径相差0.3mm,无统计学意义。结论第三磨牙萌出受萌出间隙和磨牙间交角的影响,对于上颌第三磨牙,磨牙交角影响更大,对于下颌第三磨牙无足够的间隙萌出,是导致下颌第三磨牙阻生的重要原因。     

Incidence of occlusal dental caries in asymptomatic third molars.

PURPOSE: We sought to determine the incidence of caries experience on the occlusal surface of asymptomatic third molars erupted to the occlusal plane and to examine the association between the prevalence of caries experience in third molars and other molars. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinical data were collected from healthy patients (ASA Class I, II) with asymptomatic third molars enrolled at 2 clinical centers in an institutional review board-approved clinical trial. All patients with at least one third molar at the occlusal plane and with data at baseline and from the most recent of at least 2 follow-up visits were compared in the analysis. At each visit, the presence or absence of caries experience on the occlusal surface of third molars and on any surface of the first and second molars was recorded during clinical and radiographic examinations. RESULTS: Median time between baseline and the most recent follow-up examination was 2.9 years (interquartile range, 1.6 to 4.0 years). Patients (N = 211) were more often female (55%) and white (79%). Median age at baseline was 26.6 years (interquartile range, 22.7 to 32.6 years). At baseline, 29% of patients were affected by third molar occlusal caries, increasing to 33% at follow-up. Older patients at baseline had more caries in a third molar than those younger than 25 years (43% versus 9%). However, patients who were younger at baseline were more likely to develop caries in third molars at follow-up (9% versus 19%). Mandibular third molars were affected more often than maxillary third molars: 25% versus 19% at baseline and 29% versus 22% at follow-up. At baseline and at follow-up, nearly all patients with third molar caries, 98% and 99%, also had caries in first/second molars. CONCLUSIONS: The 3-year caries incidence in third molars erupted to the occlusal plane was highest among younger patients and mandibular teeth. The presence of caries in first/second molars at baseline was highly predictive of the development of third molar caries during the ensuing 3 years.     

The etiology and prediction of mandibular third molar impaction.

1. Skeletal Class II dental base relationship with a shorter, narrower, more acute angled madible was found in association with impacted third molars, compared with erupted teeth. 2. These differences were found at age 18+ years but were less obvious at age 10 to 11 years. 3. There was a reduced amount of mandibular growth in impacted third molar cases. 4. There was a slight tendency for impacted third molars to be larger than those which erupted. 5. The presence of a space between second and third molars in the early stages of development is not an indication that the third molar will erupt. 6. The developmental angulation of the third molar to the mandibular plane was higher in the impacted third molar group. 7. Accurate prediction of third molar impaction from radiographic measurements is not possible at age 10 to 11 years.     

下颌第三磨牙阻生情况与急性冠周炎发生的关系

目的:研究下颌第三磨牙位置特征与急性冠周炎发生的关系。方法:选择122名临床诊断为下颌第三磨牙急性冠周炎患者(年龄18～31岁),分别记录下颌第三磨牙的萌出角度、软组织覆盖率、有无上颌牙列的咬合创伤及其萌出高度,然后对以上数据分别进行统计学分析。结果:发生急性冠周炎的下颌第三磨牙以垂直阻生最多见(57%),近中阻生次之(34%),水平阻生(7%)和远中阻生最少(2%),各种阻生之间的差别具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。发生急性冠周炎的下颌第三磨牙部分软组织覆盖(以75%的覆盖率最多见)多于全部软组织覆盖,差别具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。有无上颌牙列的咬合创伤与急性冠周炎的发生没有明显的统计学意义(P>0.05)。发生急性冠周炎的下颌第三磨牙萌出高度多数与(?)平面平齐,萌出高度间的差别具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:垂直阻生、软组织部分覆盖、萌出高度平齐于(?)平面的下颌第三磨牙容易发生急性冠周炎,具有这些特征的下颌第三磨牙要高度重视。     

Distal cervical caries in the mandibular second molar: an indication for the prophylactic removal of third molar teeth? Update

In 2005 we reported the clinical findings of 100 patients who had mandibular third molars removed because of distal cervical caries in the mandibular second molar. The aim of this follow-up study was to find out whether the findings in a new group of patients corroborate those of our previous study. We report on the clinical features of 239 patients (mean (SD) age 32.1 (7.85) years, range 20–65) who had 288 mandibular third molars removed because of distal cervical caries in the second molar. Patients had better dental health than average, and 67% had a DMF (decayed, missing, or filled) score of 5 or less. In 89% of third molars the mesial angulation was between 40° and 80°. Distal cervical caries in second molars is a late complication of third molar retention. The prophylactic removal of a partially erupted mesioangular third molar will prevent distal cervical caries forming in the second molar tooth.     

Distal cervical caries in the mandibular second molar: an indication for the prophylactic removal of the third molar?

AIMS: Distal cervical caries (DCC) in mandibular second molar teeth are responsible for the removal of up to 5% of all mandibular third molars. Our aim was to identify the clinical features of these patients. METHODS: We evaluated the records of 100 patients who had 122 mandibular third molars removed because of distal cervical caries in the second molar. RESULTS: Eighty-two percent of third molars had a mesial angulation of between 40 degrees and 80 degrees. The peak age for removal of third molars was 5 years later than in other studies and patients had better dental health than average. The incidence of distal cervical caries DCC has been shown to increase with age. CONCLUSION: Distal cervical caries is a late phenomenon and has been reported only in association with impacted third molars. The early or prophylactic removal of a partially erupted mesio-angular third molar could prevent distal cervical caries forming in the mandibular second molar.     

下颌前倾或水平阻生磨牙的简捷快速竖直

下颌前倾或水平阻生的磨牙临床上多予以拔除,笔者对于牙列较整齐、下颌第二磨牙阻生或经正畸减数治疗后上颌第三磨牙位置正常、下颌第三磨牙阻生者仅采用与阻生磨牙相邻的磨牙作支抗牙,黏接焊接了多曲推簧的磨牙带环,推阻生磨牙向远中、牙合向移动,引导前倾或水平阻生的下磨牙竖直、萌出.结果显示前倾或水平阻生的下颌磨牙较快地被竖直、萌出到正常的牙合平面,建立良好的牙合关系,X线曲面断层片示原阻生牙冠所占的位置为正常牙槽骨组织所代替.该方法能有效地使前倾或水平阻生的下颌磨牙产生快速的远中牙合向旋转运动,具有无须手术暴露阻生磨牙颊面、操作简单、竖直时间短、患者无明显不适和创伤小等优点.     

Progression of periodontal disease in the second/third molar region in subjects with asymptomatic third molars.

PURPOSE: To assess the change in periodontal status over time by periodontal probing depth (PD) in the third molar region. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The data for these analyses are part of a study of subjects enrolled with 4 asymptomatic third molars with adjacent second molars in an institutional review board-approved longitudinal trial. Full mouth periodontal probing was conducted to determine periodontal status at baseline and follow-up. Panoramic radiographs were analyzed for angulation and degree of eruption of third molars. Subjects were categorized as those who exhibited at least a 2 mm change in periodontal PD between baseline and follow-up in the third molar region, the distal of a second molar or around a third molar, and those who did not exhibit a 2 mm or greater change. Subjects with and without changes in PD were compared with Cochran-Mantel-Haenzsel statistics. Level of significance was set at 0.05. RESULTS: Data from 254 subjects with at least 2 annual follow-up visits were available for analysis. Mean age at baseline was 27.5 years. Median follow-up from baseline to the second follow-up visit was 2.2 years (interquartile range 2.0, 2.6). At enrollment, 59% of the subjects had at least 1 PD > or =4 mm in the third molar region, one quarter had a PD > or =5 mm. Twenty-four percent of the subjects had at least 1 tooth that had an increased PD > or =2 mm in the third molar region at follow-up. If subjects had at least 1 PD > or =4 mm at baseline, 38% had at least 1 PD deepen by 2 mm or more at follow-up. Only 3% of those who had all teeth with a PD of less than 4 mm at baseline exhibited a change of > or =2 mm (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Increased periodontal PDs > or =2 mm were often found in the third molar region for asymptomatic subjects with at least 1 PD > or =4 mm at enrollment, clinical measures that indicated increased periodontal pathology, and a deteriorating periodontal condition.     

Third molar angulation during and after treatment of adolescent orthodontic patients

The purpose of this study was to analyse the effect of premolar extraction therapy on third molar angulation during active treatment, and to test the significance of such changes on subsequent impaction of the third molars. Lateral cephalograms made before (T1) and after (T2) treatment and at long-term follow-up (T3) of 157 patients treated non-extraction (non-ex) or with extraction of four premolars (ex), all accurately diagnosed for impaction versus eruption of at least one third molar at T3, were evaluated. Linear regression models demonstrated that the maxillary third molars uprighted more from T1 to T2 (P < 0.05) and were less distally angulated at T2 (P < 0.01) in the ex than in the non-ex patients. No such differences were detected in the mandible (P > 0.05). The regression models also showed similar uprighting of the maxillary and mandibular third molars from T1 to T2 and similar angulation of the maxillary third molars at T2 in those patients with subsequent eruption and impaction (P > 0.05), but more mesially angulated mandibular third molars at T2 in the impaction patients (P < 0.01). Chi square testing demonstrated a higher frequency of distal tipping of the maxillary third molars from T1 to T2 in the impaction patients (P < 0.01), while mesial tipping from T1 to T2 of the mandibular third molars occurred with similar frequency in the two patient groups (P > 0.05). Chi square analysis also showed a higher frequency of greater than 30 degree distal angulation as well as an amount mesial angulation of the maxillary third molars at T2 (P < 0.01), and a higher frequency of greater than 40 degree mesial angulation of the mandibular third molars at T2 (P < 0.01) in patients with impaction than in those with eruption.     

Vertical eruption patterns of impacted mandibular third molars after the mesialization of second molars using miniscrews

Objective:To investigate (1) whether vertical eruption of impacted third molars improves after mesialization of second molars and (2) what factors affect the vertical eruption of impacted third molars when space caused by missing molars is successfully closed by mesialization of the second molar using miniscrews.Materials and Methods:The treatment group (Group 1) included 52 patients who had (1) missing mandibular first molars (ML-6) or missing deciduous mandibular second molars (ML-E), (2) initially impacted mandibular third molars, and (3) successful space closure of the edentulous area with orthodontics. Panoramic radiographs at start of treatment (T1) and at time of space closure (T2) were collected. The control group (Group 2) included 46 nonedentulous patients with impacted mandibular third molars without molar protraction treatment. Panoramic radiographs with similar T1/T2 treatment times were selected. Nine measurements were obtained regarding horizontal available space, vertical eruption, and third molar angulation.Results:Third molars erupted vertically an average of 2.54 mm in Group 1 compared with 0.41 mm in Group 2. Age, gender, Nolla stage, and angle of the third molars did not show significant correlations with the vertical change of the impacted third molars, whereas the depth of third molar impaction and available space showed significant correlations.Conclusions:Impacted mandibular third molars vertically erupt as a result of uprighting with mesialization of the second molar, and vertical eruption is affected by the initial vertical location of impacted third molars and available space.     

Influence of orthodontic treatment on development of third molars

We aimed to find out whether extraction of lower premolars and subsequent closure of the space by a fixed appliance influenced the chances of mandibular third molars erupting.We compared angular and linear measurements of lower third molars on dental panoramic tomograms in 30 orthodontic patients with similar measurements from 30 patients with impacted third molars in intact arches.We found that the mesial angulation of lower third molars was reduced from 50 degrees to 43 degrees by orthodontic treatment (P< 0.001). Distance to the occlusal plane was reduced from 12 mm to 10 mm (P< 0.001). The space available increased from 4 mm to 11 mm (P< 0.001).We conclude that extraction of lower premolars and orthodontic treatment to achieve complete closure of the space allowed the positions of many impacted lower third molars to improve significantly.     

Protraction of mandibular second and third molars into missing first molar spaces for a patient with an anterior open bite and anterior spacing

In a young woman, aged 18 years 8 months, who had an anterior open bite and anterior spacing, the right and left mandibular first molar extraction spaces were closed by protraction of the second and third molars without reciprocal retraction of the incisors and the premolars. The amounts of protraction for the second molars were 12 mm on the right side and 11 mm on the left side. Two miniscrews were inserted into the mesiobuccal side of the edentulous spaces, and 2 more screws were inserted into the anterior sites after removing previous miniscrews. In addition, 4 miniscrews were inserted into the buccal and palatal sides between the first and second maxillary molars to intrude the maxillary posterior teeth, which had extruded into the missing mandibular spaces. Careful biomechanical consideration was used to prevent extrusion of the molars and worsening of the anterior open bite from protraction of the posterior teeth. Ultimately, the anterior open bite was corrected by both intrusion of the maxillary molars and extrusion of the maxillary anterior teeth. Excellent occlusion and correction of the anterior open bite were achieved without tipping, rotation of the posterior teeth, or other problems. The right mandibular third molar, which had been impacted at the beginning of treatment, erupted into the second molar space and functioned properly. At the 1-year follow-up examination, the patient had a slight anterior open bite, but closure of the first molar extraction spaces was well maintained.     

Prevalence and factors affecting the formation of second molar distal caries in a Turkish population

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of second molar distal caries in a Turkish population and to determine the factors that affect it. Clinical records and panoramic radiographs of partially erupted mandibular third molars were reviewed in this retrospective study. The analysis outcome measures were the patients’ age, second molar distal caries, third molar angulation and second and third molar contact point localization. Prevalence of second molar distal caries in the population was 20%. This prevalence was 47% when the third molar had an angulation of 31–70° (majority of mesioangular third molars) and 43% at 70–90° (all horizontal third molars). The contact point on the second molar amelocemental junction and increasing age had significant effects on caries formation. The results revealed that second molar distal caries justifies prophylactic third molar removal and partially erupted third molars that have an angulation of 30–90° with a contact point on the amelocemental junction should be removed to prevent second molar distal caries.     

Evaluation of the maxillary third molar position and its relationship with the maxillary sinus: a CBCT study

Objectives

The present study investigated the position and relationship of the maxillary third molars to the maxillary sinus. These molars were detected to have a close relationship with the maxillary sinus based on panoramic images, using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods

This retrospective study evaluated 162 impacted third molars from 100 patients that showed a superimposed relationship between the maxillary sinus and third molars on panoramic images obtained from CBCT. CBCT images were used to assess the horizontal (buccopalatal) and vertical positions of the maxillary sinus relative to the maxillary third molars, proximity of the roots to the sinus, and angulation and depth of the third molars. The associations among the angulation, depth of third molars, and horizontal and vertical positions of the maxillary sinus relative to the third molar findings were examined using Chi square tests.

Results

Based on the winter classification, the most frequent tooth position was vertical (59.9 %), followed by mesioangular (14.2 %), distoangular (9.9 %), and others. Most impacted teeth were at the level between the occlusal and cervical levels of the adjacent second molar. Regarding the relationships of the maxillary third molars with the maxillary sinus examined on CBCT, vertical type III (buccal root related with maxillary sinus) (34 %) and horizontal type 2 (maxillary sinus located between roots) (64.8 %) were seen most frequently.

Conclusions

The relationship between the maxillary sinus and third molar roots should be considered during extraction. When a risk of sinus perforation is predicted in an extraction, a presurgical CBCT examination could be valuable.

     

正畸拔除第一前磨牙后第三磨牙倾斜度的变化

目的 探讨正畸拔除第一前磨牙对第三磨牙倾斜度的影响。方法 选择37例拔牙和32例非拔牙患者,分别在治疗前和治疗后的曲面断层片上测量第三磨牙长轴与平面的交角以及第二、第三磨牙长轴的交角。用U检验来比较两组患者第三磨牙倾斜度在治疗前后的变化。结果 拔牙组和非拔牙组间治疗前后下颌第三磨牙长轴与平面和第二磨牙长轴交角的差异均具有统计学意义（P<0.05）;拔牙组和非拔牙组治疗前后上颌第三磨牙长轴与平面和第二磨牙交角的差异没有统计学意义（P>0.05）。在拔牙组,治疗后下颌第三磨牙比上颌第三磨牙更直立。结论 拔除前磨牙的正畸治疗能够改善第三磨牙的倾斜角度。     

Crown angulation measured by laser scanner

The aim of this study was to measure the crown angulation of Japanese subjects with normal occlusion using a laser scanner to minimize human error. Twenty study models with normal occlusion were scanned by laser scanner. Crown angulations of each tooth in scanned 3D dental images were measured according to Andrews’ procedure. In Andrews’ procedure, a plane was established along the mesiodistal contact points of each tooth. The crown angulations of each tooth were measured by projecting the facial axis of the clinical crown (FACC) and a vertical line from the occlusal plane, and the mean and standard deviation were calculated. In maxillary teeth, the canine crown angulation was highest at about 7°, thus indicating a mesial tip, which was seen in all teeth except the second molar. In mandibular teeth, the second molar crown angulation was highest at about 7°, thus indicating a mesial tip, and only the lateral incisor exhibited slight distal tip, while all the remaining teeth exhibited mesial tip. Standard deviations for the maxillary and mandibular teeth ranged from 2.5° to 8°. The standard deviation of the maxillary and mandibular second molars was particularly large.     

Maxillary third molar position in Class II malocclusions: the effect of treatment with and without maxillary premolar extractions

The present study compared the number of erupted and functioning maxillary third molars and their mesio-distal angulation in patients with Class II malocclusions orthodontically treated with and without extraction of two maxillary premolars and fixed appliances. For that purpose, the records of 55 patients were selected, which were divided into two groups. Group 1 was treated without extractions and comprised 28 patient records (19 males and 9 females), with a mean age of 19.03 years [standard deviation (SD) = 2.33], treatment time of 2.59 years (SD = 1.08), and follow-up time of 6.48 years (SD = 2.42). Group 2 was treated with extractions and comprised 27 patient records (14 males and 13 females), with a mean age of 19.94 years (SD = 2.87), treatment time of 2.95 years (SD = 1.17), and follow-up time of 5.88 years (SD = 2.96). Analysis of the erupted and functioning maxillary third molars was conducted on the maxillary and mandibular dental casts. The mesio-distal angulations of the maxillary third molars were assessed on panoramic radiographs with the presence of both maxillary third molars. The results demonstrated that the number of erupted and functioning maxillary third molars was statistically greater (P = 0.01) in Class II subjects treated with extraction of maxillary premolars, when compared with those treated without extractions. The patients treated with two maxillary premolar extractions presented significantly smaller third molar mesio-distal angulations, that are more favourable to eruption, than those treated non-extraction.