How predictable is the position of third molars over time?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to review contemporaneous longitudinal studies focused on changes in the position of third molars.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A systematic search of the National Library of Medicine (PubMed, http://www.pubmed.gov) and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (http://www.mrw.interscience.wiley.com/cochrane) was conducted to identify eligible articles. The inclusion criteria were 1) longitudinal assessment (retrospective or prospective); 2) published in English; and 3) full text available online or at the University of North Carolina Health Sciences Library.

RESULTS

Five studies met the inclusion criteria. The status of third molars with respect to eruption/angulation was operationalized in multiple ways, making any comparison of the frequency of changes in position difficult. The major findings of each study are reviewed.

CONCLUSIONS

Few longitudinal data exist on the changes over time of impacted third molars. Impacted teeth that remain static, with no changes in position or angulation over time, are rare.