Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.15644/asc60/2/8
Third Molar Impaction Influence on Dental Estimation: A Systemic Review
Paula Rebéca Rodrigues
; Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, USP - University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
Maria Clara Panciera
; Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, USP - University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
Ricardo Henrique Alves da Silva
; Department of Stomatology, Public Health and Forensic Odontology, Ribeirão Preto School of Dentistry, USP - University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
Paulo Henrique Viana Pinto
; Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, USP - University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil; Bahia State Scientific Police, Camaçari, Bahia, Brazil
*
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Background: Dental age estimation is a relevant procedure in forensic odontology, but it becomes
increasingly challenging as age advances. In such cases, the use of third molars stands out, as they
are the last teeth to complete the maturation process. However, it has been observed that these
teeth have the highest rate of impaction. Objectives: The aim of this systematic review was to assess
whether dental impaction influences the mineralization process of third molars and whether this condition affects the accuracy of age estimation methods. Methods: A search was carried out in the Embase, LILACS, PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, using terms related to the topic in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. Two independent evaluators applied eligibility criteria to select and evaluate the relevant articles. Results: After selection by title, abstract, and fulltext reading, 11 articles were included. The risk of bias was analyzed using the checklist proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Data extraction revealed that the populations studied were from India, Germany, Lebanon, Switzerland, China, Canada, South Africa, and Denmark. All studies were separated by sex, though in different sample sizes, except for one study, which used equal numbers of 260 orthopantomograms for each sex. Furthermore, all studies demonstrated that dental impaction, regardless of its degree, influences tooth mineralization. Conclusion: In conclusion, third molar impaction may delay the process of dental mineralization, raising concerns that these teeth, when impacted, should not be considered the first choice for age estimation methods.
Keywords
Age Determination by Teeth; Forensic Dentistry; Dental Age Estimation; Third Molar; Impacted Tooth; Tooth Calcification
Hrčak ID:
347620
URI
Publication date:
13.6.2026.
Visits: 183 *