Modifications of the posterior bony space for third molars from childhood to adolescence

Abstract

Introduction: The correct disposition of teeth depends in great measure on the growth of maxillary, especially the third molars that are the last ones in eruption. Objective: To estimate the changes in the posterior bony space according to age and its relationship with epidemic variables. Methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in children belonging to José Martí Pérez Teaching Polyclinic in Santiago de Cuba, from May, 2016 to February, 2017, for which panoramic X-rays were used in the measures, analyzed according to age, sex and color of the skin. Results: It was remarkable that the difference of the posterior bony space from childhood to adolescence was 9 mm for 18 molar, of 8.1 for 28 molar, of 12.5 for 38 molar and of 11.5 for 48 molar; significant differences were not observed between sex and color of the skin. Conclusions: With the evaluation of the dimensional magnitude of this space it is possible to predict the growth of the maxillary to give location to the third molars during the course from the childhood to the adolescence.

Keywords

• niño
• adolescente
• tercer molar
• espacio óseo posterior
• espacio retromolar
• ortodoncia.