Investigating the Prevalence of Third Molar Agenesis in Western Tamil Nadu: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Abstract

Background: Due to changes in the dietary habits, functional load for the teeth has relatively reduced nowadays. This had increased the agenesis of third molars. This study aims to create awareness about the increasing existence of agenesis of third molars. Aim: To examine the rate of third molar agenesis in the population of western Tamil Nadu. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using 5,000 digital orthopantomographs (OPGs) of patients aged 10–16 years to observe the prevalence of third molar agenesis in Western Tamil Nadu. The quadrant without the evidence of a crypt was considered agenesis. Each digital OPG was evaluated in accordance with age, sex, and quadrants. Descriptive analysis and Pearson’s Chi–square test were performed. Results: The overall prevalence of third molar agenesis was 15.34%. The incidence of third molar agenesis was observed to be higher among individuals aged 10 and 11 years. OPGs of patients under the age group of 10 years had a prevalence of agenesis of 18 (88.4%) and 28 (84.5%). There were no significant differences in accordance to sex. The third molar agenesis in this study listed in descending order of frequency were, 18 (32.2%), 28 (31.0%), 48 (18.6%), 38 (18.1%) Conclusion: The prevalence of third molar agenesis in Western Tamil Nadu was 15.34%, with higher rates observed among 10- and 11-year-olds. Thus, this study proposes that the concept of increasing prevalence of third molars agenesis should be remembered when choosing third molars as a tool for age estimation.

Keywords

• agenesis
• orthopantomographs
• third molars