Agenesia de terceros molares en estudiantes de odontología de la Universidad del Valle entre 16 y 25 años

Abstract

Background: Third molars are the teeth reported in the literature, that present more variability in number, shape and size. There is no information reported in the Colombian literature concerning the agenesis of the third molar in Colombians. This data may changes constantly from one population to another. This study was looking for agenesis of the third molars and performed on dental students at the Universidad del Valle. Objectives: Determine dental agenesis of the third molars and describe characteristics such as gender, arcade, and dental quadrants. Method: A descriptive study using 1824 periapical radiographs of 456 people aged 16 to 25 years old. Results: The results showed that 96 students didn't developed some or none of third molars, which corresponds to 21% agenesis of the studied population. No significant statistical differences were found on gender, in the mandible and maxilla, neither in the left and right sides Conclusion: The percentage of agenesis in this study is consistent with most of the reports in the literature, in populations from different parts of the world. © 2004 Corporación Editora Médica del Valle.