Clinical research on the development of third molars observed in panoramic radiographs

Abstract

The development of the third molars in Japanese was studied using the panoramic radiographs of 9,111 children and 2,769 university students. The average age for initiation of calcification and completion of crown formation was earlier in females than in males. At 13 years of age the third molar tooth germ was present 65 to 70% of the time in the maxilla and 75 to 80% of the time in the mandible for both boys and girls. The results of this study allow a better understanding of the third molars of Japanese and provide an aid to planning in such areas of clinical pediatric practice as guiding occlusal development.