A radiographic survey of agenesis of the third molar: A panoramic study

PURPOSE: It is a well-known fact that nature tries to eliminate what is not in use. Because of this, the number of certain teeth which are no longer necessary for function are either getting increasingly impacted or are not developing at all. This is especially the case where third molars are concerned. Furthermore, the presence or absence of the third molar is significant to all branches of dentistry and in particular, forensic dentistry. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study is to assess (1) The prevalence of third molar agenesis in population of age group 18–25 years. (2) The genderwise difference of third molar agenesis. (3) The difference between maxilla and mandible. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dental patients, who are advised or referred for orthopantomograph, visited to the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology were included in the study. The study population comprised 300 patients. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The data obtained was tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis. SPSS version 17 software was used for the analysis of the data. The Chi-square test was used for the same. RESULTS: The incidence of agenesis of the third molar is significantly higher for tooth number 18 (P < 0.001). Overall, it is significantly higher among females compared to the males (P < 0.001) in our study population. CONCLUSION: (1) The present study reports 46.7% agenesis of the third molar. (2) The frequency of third molar agenesis was found significantly greater in the females. (3) Third molar agenesis showed a greater predilection in maxilla compared to mandible.