Radiographic study of the positional changes and eruption of impacted third molars in young adults of an Asian Indian population.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess changes in the angular position and eruption status of third molars in students of an Asian Indian population during a 4-year follow-up period.

Patients And Methods: The series consisted of 43 students (11 males, 32 females). Standardized panoramic radiographs were taken at baseline (mean age, 19.1 +/- 0.7 years) and at the end of study (mean age 23.1 +/- 0.7 years). Angulation and degree of impaction of third molars were determined by their sagittal relationship to the adjacent second molar and eruption to the occlusal plane. Root formation was also assessed.

Results: During the 4-year follow-up period, 11 of 72 of the mandibular teeth (15%) and 17 of 74 of the maxillary teeth (23%) changed their sagittal inclination. Thirty-one of 118 impacted teeth (26%; level B + C) achieved level A eruption more so in the mandible, ie, 15 of 52 (29%), than in the maxilla, ie, 16 of 66 (24%). In the mandible, 9 of 24 impacted vertical teeth (37.5%), 3 of 6 distoangular teeth (50%), and 3 of 22 mesioangular impacted teeth (13.6%) erupted to the occlusal plane. In the maxilla, 9 of 36 impacted vertical teeth (25%) and 7 of 27 distoangular teeth (26%) erupted to the occlusal plane during the follow-up. The number of teeth with complete root formation increased in mandible from 61% to 93% and in maxilla from 62% to 94.5%.

Conclusions: Unpredictable changes in the position and angulation of teeth continued to occur even after the age of 19 years, more so in vertical and distoangular teeth than in mesioangular teeth.