Dental age estimation using radiographic assessment of third molar eruption among 10-20-year-old Ugandan population.

AIM

This study aimed at establishing the age for third molar eruption among Ugandans aged 10-20 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study comprising 471 male and 541 female patients attending Mulago Dental Clinic. Patients' orthopantomographs were assessed for third molar eruption as described by Olze Age was summarized using means/SD. Jaw and sex differences were assessed using Student's -test.

RESULTS

Complete eruption (Stage D) ranged between 13 and 20 years. The mean age at complete eruption for girls and boys was 17.5-18 years and 18.2-18.6 years, respectively. Mean age was statistically significantly ( < 0.05) lower among girls compared to boys for all third molar teeth (#18, #28, #38, and #48). The difference in mean eruption times between girls and boys was -0.62 (95% confidence interval: 0.2-1.0, = 0.006). At 18 years, 40% or 41% maxillary and 52% or 53% mandibular molars were completely erupted. There were statistically significant differences in eruption between the sexes and jaws for all teeth ( < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Given the fact that the percentage of erupted third molars by age 18 was found to be <50% on an average in this Ugandan population, we should reconsider the use of third molar eruption as a definitive tool for age estimation in this population.