The Relationship of the Lower third Molar to the Anterior Dental Crowding

Abstract

Introduction: The role of the lower third molars in the lower incisors crowding has been debated for more thana century. Significant disagreement exists among practitioners, including both orthodontists and oral and maxillofacialsurgeons whether the third molar causes mandibular anterior crowding.Aim of study: The purpose of this study is to ascertain whether the lower third molars can contribute to the occurrenceor aggravation of crowding.Materials and methods: A sample of 131voluneteer (67 males and 64 females) aged 18-25 years were includedin the 1st ,2nd, ,3rd ,4th and 5th stage of college of dentistry /Tikrit University was chosen, the sample wasdivided into three main groups consisted subjects who had mandibular third molars that were either impacted,erupted into function or agenesis.Results: The study showed that 70(53.4%) volunteer s out of the 131 have impacted lower 3rd molar, 52(39.7%)volunteers have erupted lower 3rd molar, while 9(7.6%) volunteer have agenesis of the 3rd molar.Conclusion: The crowded group revealed a higher percentage of impacted third molar while lowest percentageof third molar agenesis.