Ceib Phillips1, Raymond P White. 1. Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA. ceib_phillips@dentistry.unc.edu
Abstract
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.
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.