Morphologic and Demographic Predictors of Third Molar Agenesis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Abstract
We aimed to consolidate all available data on worldwide third molar agenesis frequencies, with a particular emphasis on exploring the factors leading authors to find contradictory results for the demographic and morphologic predictors of this anomaly. A total of 12,376 studies were originally identified, then narrowed down to 1,312 for title/abstract screening. On the basis of our inclusion and exclusion criteria, we selected 92 studies, containing 100 effect sizes and 63,314 subjects, for systematic review and metaregression. The worldwide rate of agenesis was found to be 22.63% (95% confidence interval = 20.64% to 24.76%), although the estimates ranged from 5.32% to 56.0%. Our subgroup analyses revealed that women are 14% more likely than men to have agenesis of ≥1 third molars and that maxillary agenesis was 36% more likely than mandibular agenesis in both sexes. Furthermore, we found that having agenesis of 1 or 2 molars was most common, while agenesis of 3 or 4 molars was least common. Finally, we found large differences among agenesis frequency depending on geographic region. This information is expected to be of use not only to clinicians and patients but also to policy makers, given the implications for third molar extraction protocols.
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Claims the paper makes
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
Teeth are smaller in anatomically modern humans than in their most closely related extinct relatives.
“as are our teeth [22, 23]”
From Self-domestication in Homo sapiens: Insights from comparative genomics (2017) · cites this paper as [23]
Cites
Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: the PRISMA statement
Moher, D., Liberati, A., Tetzlaff, J., Altman, D. G., & for the PRISMA Group (2009) · BMJ · doi:10.1136/bmj.b2535 · Cited by 83,823 · see citing works
Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: The PRISMA Statement
Moher, D., Liberati, A., Tetzlaff, J., Altman, D. G., & The PRISMA Group (2009) · PLoS Medicine · doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.1000097 · Cited by 64,042 · see citing works
Measuring inconsistency in meta-analyses
Higgins, J. P. T., Thompson, S. G., Deeks, J. J., & Altman, D. G. (2003) · BMJ · doi:10.1136/bmj.327.7414.557 · Cited by 63,139 · see citing works
Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: the PRISMA Statement.
(2009) · PubMed Central · Cited by 44,859 · see citing works
Quantifying heterogeneity in a meta‐analysis
Higgins, J. P. T., & Thompson, S. G. (2002) · Statistics in Medicine · doi:10.1002/sim.1186 · Cited by 36,763 · see citing works
A Simple Sequentially Rejective Multiple Test Procedure
(1979) · Scandinavian Journal of Statistics · doi:10.2307/4615733 · Cited by 21,526 · see citing works
Conducting Meta-Analyses in <i>R</i> with the <b>metafor</b> Package
Viechtbauer, W. (2010) · Journal of Statistical Software · doi:10.18637/jss.v036.i03 · Cited by 20,464 · see citing works
Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: The PRISMA Statement
Moher, D., Liberati, A., Tetzlaff, J., & Altman, D. G. (2009) · Journal of Clinical Epidemiology · doi:10.1016/j.jclinepi.2009.06.005 · Cited by 19,575 · see citing works
Publication Bias in Meta‐Analysis: Prevention, Assessment and Adjustments
(2005) · doi:10.1002/0470870168 · Cited by 2,368 · see citing works
A meta‐analysis of the prevalence of dental agenesis of permanent teeth
Polder, B. J., Hof, M. A. V., der Linden, F. P. G. M. V., & Kuijpers‐Jagtman, A. M. (2004) · Community Dentistry And Oral Epidemiology · doi:10.1111/j.1600-0528.2004.00158.x · Cited by 974 · see citing works
Regression Methods to Detect Publication and Other Bias in Meta‐Analysis
Sterne, J. A. C., & Egger, M. (2005) · Publication Bias in Meta‐Analysis · doi:10.1002/0470870168.ch6 · Cited by 826 · cited 1× · see citing works
“We also assessed effect size asymmetry using a version of Egger’s regression test, designed for random- and mixed-effects models (Sterne and Egger 2005).”
MethodMcAuley, L., Pham, B., Tugwell, P., & Moher, D. (2000) · The Lancet · doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(00)02786-0 · Cited by 812 · see citing works
Stijnen, T., Hamza, T. H., & Özdemir, P. (2010) · Statistics in Medicine · doi:10.1002/sim.4040 · Cited by 757 · see citing works
Publication Bias in Meta‐Analysis
Rothstein, H. R., Sutton, A. J., & Borenstein, M. (2005) · Publication Bias in Meta‐Analysis · doi:10.1002/0470870168.ch1 · Cited by 603 · see citing works
Fixed effects and variance components estimation in three-level meta-analysis
Konstantopoulos, S. (2011) · Research Synthesis Methods · doi:10.1002/jrsm.35 · Cited by 521 · see citing works
Duval, S. (2005) · Publication Bias in Meta‐Analysis · doi:10.1002/0470870168.ch8 · Cited by 496 · see citing works
A unifying aetiological explanation for anomalies of human tooth number and size
Brook, A. H. (1984) · Archives of Oral Biology · doi:10.1016/0003-9969(84)90163-8 · Cited by 488 · see citing works
The genetics of human tooth agenesis: New discoveries for understanding dental anomalies
Vastardis, H. (2000) · American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics · doi:10.1016/s0889-5406(00)70173-9 · Cited by 442 · see citing works
Delayed tooth eruption: Pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. A literature review
Suri, L., Gagari, E., & Vastardis, H. (2004) · American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics · doi:10.1016/j.ajodo.2003.10.031 · Cited by 415 · see citing works
Testing and adjusting for publication bias
Møller, A. P., & Jennions, M. D. (2001) · Trends in Ecology & Evolution · doi:10.1016/s0169-5347(01)02235-2 · Cited by 410 · see citing works
The binomial distribution of meta-analysis was preferred to model within-study variability
Hamza, T. H., van Houwelingen, H. C., & Stijnen, T. (2007) · Journal of Clinical Epidemiology · doi:10.1016/j.jclinepi.2007.03.016 · Cited by 388 · see citing works
Late Pleistocene and Holocene population history of east Asia based on dental variation
Turner, C. G. (1987) · American Journal of Physical Anthropology · doi:10.1002/ajpa.1330730304 · Cited by 363 · see citing works
Sterne, J. A. C., Becker, B. J., & Egger, M. (2005) · Publication Bias in Meta‐Analysis · doi:10.1002/0470870168.ch5 · Cited by 341 · see citing works
Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses
Uman, L. S. (2019) · SAGE Publications Ltd eBooks · doi:10.4135/9781529716559.n7 · Cited by 330 · see citing works
Publication Bias: Recognizing the Problem, Understanding Its Origins and Scope, and Preventing Harm
Dickersin, K. (2005) · doi:10.1002/0470870168.ch2 · Cited by 310 · see citing works
Kruger, E., Thomson, W. M., & Konthasinghe, P. (2001) · Oral Surgery Oral Medicine Oral Pathology Oral Radiology and Endodontology · doi:10.1067/moe.2001.115461 · Cited by 219 · see citing works
Timing of human mandibular third molar formation
Liversidge, H. M. (2008) · Annals of Human Biology · doi:10.1080/03014460801971445 · Cited by 215 · see citing works
Has hypodontia increased in Caucasians during the 20th century? A meta-analysis
Mattheeuws, N. (2004) · European Journal of Orthodontics · doi:10.1093/ejo/26.1.99 · Cited by 202 · see citing works
A principle of arcial growth of the mandible.
Ricketts, R. (1972) · PubMed · doi:10.1043/0003-3219(1972)042 · Cited by 158 · see citing works
Dental variation among populations. An anthropologic view.
Bailit, H. L. (1975) · PubMed · Cited by 149 · see citing works
The esthetic impact of extraction and nonextraction treatments on Caucasian patients.
Bowman, S. J., & Johnston, L. E. (2000) · PubMed · doi:10.1043/0003-3219(2000)070 · Cited by 144 · see citing works
Grey Literature and Systematic Reviews
Hopewell, S., Clarke, M. J., & Mallett, S. (2005) · doi:10.1002/0470870168.ch4 · Cited by 138 · see citing works
Çelikoğlu, M., Miloğlu, Ö., & Kazancı, F. (2010) · Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery · doi:10.1016/j.joms.2009.07.063 · Cited by 130 · see citing works
The meaning of bilateral asymmetry in the permanent dentition.
Garn, S. M., Lewis, A. B., & Kerewsky, R. S. (1966) · PubMed · doi:10.1043/0003-3219(1966)036 · Cited by 119 · see citing works
Frequency of hypodontia in relation to tooth size and dental arch width
Wisth, P. J., Thunold, K., & Bøe, O. E. (1974) · Acta Odontologica Scandinavica · doi:10.3109/00016357409002548 · Cited by 119 · see citing works
Effect Of Extraction Of Deciduous Molars On The Formation And Eruption Of Their Successors
Fanning, E. A. (2009) · The Angle Orthodontist · doi:10.1043/0003-3219(1962)032 · Cited by 114 · see citing works
Dental Variation Among Populations
Bailit, H. L. (1975) · Dental Clinics of North America · doi:10.1016/s0011-8532(22)00661-9 · Cited by 113 · see citing works
Agenesis of the third molar in man
Nanda, R. S. (1954) · American Journal of Orthodontics · doi:10.1016/0002-9416(54)90058-5 · Cited by 103 · see citing works
The indications for third-molar extractions
Steed, M. B. (2014) · The Journal of the American Dental Association · doi:10.14219/jada.2014.18 · Cited by 94 · see citing works
Hierarchical Dependence in Meta-Analysis
Stevens, J. R., & Taylor, A. (2008) · Journal of Educational and Behavioral Statistics · doi:10.3102/1076998607309080 · Cited by 94 · see citing works
Developmental age and taxonomic affinity of the Mojokerto child, Java, Indonesia
Antón, S. C. (1997) · American Journal of Physical Anthropology · doi:10.1002/(sici)1096-8644(199704)102:4 · Cited by 80 · see citing works
Third Molar Agenesis and Size Reduction of the Remaining Teeth
Garn, S. M., Lewis, A. B., & Kerewsky, R. S. (1963) · Nature · doi:10.1038/200488a0 · Cited by 76 · see citing works
The age at eruption of third permanent molars in male East Africans
Chagula, W. K. (1960) · American Journal of Physical Anthropology · doi:10.1002/ajpa.1330180202 · Cited by 73 · see citing works
The relationship between third molar agenesis and the morphologic variability of the molar teeth.
Keene, H. J. (1965) · PubMed · doi:10.1043/0003-3219(1965)035 · Cited by 65 · see citing works
The third molar controversy: Framing the controversy as a public health policy issue
Flick, W. G. (1999) · Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery · doi:10.1016/s0278-2391(99)90285-9 · Cited by 62 · see citing works
Changes in craniofacial morphology of individuals with hypodontia between the ages of 9 and 16
Roald, K. L., Wisth, P. J., & Bøe, O. E. (1982) · Acta Odontologica Scandinavica · doi:10.3109/00016358209041117 · Cited by 58 · see citing works
Incidence of Third Molar Development
Banks, H. V. (2009) · Cited by 58 · see citing works
Third molar agenesis in human prehistoric populations of the Canary Islands
de Castro, J. M. B. (1989) · American Journal of Physical Anthropology · doi:10.1002/ajpa.1330790208 · Cited by 39 · see citing works
Multivariate Analysis of Factors Affecting Presence and/or Agenesis of Third Molar Tooth
Alam, M. K., Hamza, M. A., Khafiz, M. A., Rahman, S. A., Shaari, R., & Hassan, A. (2014) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0101157 · Cited by 29 · see citing works
Agenesis of teeth of the permanent dentition: A frequency study in Sydney schoolchildren
Davies, P. (1968) · Australian Dental Journal · doi:10.1111/j.1834-7819.1968.tb02254.x · Cited by 28 · see citing works
Third molar agenesis among children and youths from three major races of Malaysians
John, J., Nambiar, P., Mani, S. A., Mohamed, N. H., Ahmad, N. F., & Murad, N. A. (2012) · Journal of Dental Sciences · doi:10.1016/j.jds.2012.05.002 · Cited by 28 · see citing works
Lukacs, J. R., & Pal, J. N. (2013) · HOMO · doi:10.1016/j.jchb.2013.08.003 · Cited by 14 · see citing works
Early modern human evolution in Central Europe: the people of Dolni Vestonice and Pavlov
(2007) · Choice Reviews Online · doi:10.5860/choice.44-3360 · Cited by 13 · see citing works
Inferior alveolar nerve block and third-molar agenesis
Swee, J., Silvestri, A. R., Finkelman, M., Rich, A. P., Alexander, S. A., & Loo, C. Y. (2013) · The Journal of the American Dental Association · doi:10.14219/jada.archive.2013.0132 · Cited by 12 · see citing works
Agenesia en dentición permanente
Diaz-Perez, R., & Echaverry-Navarrete, R. A. (2009) · Revista de Salud Pública · doi:10.1590/s0124-00642009000600012 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
Genetic Mapping of Agenesis of the Third Molars in Mice
Shimizu, T., Morita, W., & Maeda, T. (2013) · Biochemical Genetics · doi:10.1007/s10528-013-9602-0 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
Agenesis of Third Molars in Orthodontic Patients attending Dhulikhel Hospital
Upadhyaya, C., Adhikari, B. R., Kafle, D., & Humagain, M. (2012) · Orthodontic Journal of Nepal · doi:10.3126/ojn.v2i1.9292 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
Bansal, S., Garg, S., Gupta, K., & Srivastava, S. C. (2012) · Indian Journal of Oral Sciences · doi:10.4103/0976-6944.101672 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
Prevalence of Eruption of Third Molar Tooth among South Indians and Malaysians
Ren, C. G. C., & Kumar, B. S. (2014) · Journal of Academy of Dental Education · doi:10.15423/jade/2014/v1i1/44614 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
Prevalence of Eruption of Third Molar Tooth among South Indians and Malaysians
Ren, C. G. C., & Kumar, B. S. (2014) · Journal of Academy of Dental Education · doi:10.18311/jade/2014/2427 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
Sergi, S. (1914) · Journal of Heredity · doi:10.1093/oxfordjournals.jhered.a107796 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Meta-analysis: formulating, evaluating, combining, and reporting
Normand, S.-L. T. (1999) · Statistics in Medicine · doi:10.1002/(sici)1097-0258(19990215)18:3
Frost (2004) · doi:10.1043/0003-3219(2004)074
Flagged first, then by citations
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Predictors of Third Molar Impaction
Carter, K. N., & Worthington, S. (2015) · Journal of Dental Research · doi:10.1177/0022034515615857 · Cited by 223 · see citing works
Self-citationSelf-domestication in Homo sapiens: Insights from comparative genomics
Theofanopoulou, C., Gastaldon, S., O’Rourke, T., Samuels, B. D., Messner, A., Martins, P. T., Delogu, F., Alamri, S., & Boeckx, C. (2017) · PLOS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0185306 · Cited by 174 · see citing works
Automated detection of third molars and mandibular nerve by deep learning
Vinayahalingam, S., Xi, T., Bergé, S. J., Maal, T., & de Jong, G. (2019) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-019-45487-3 · Cited by 170 · see citing works
Ghaeminia, H., Perry, J., Nienhuijs, M. E., Toedtling, V., Tummers, M., Hoppenreijs, T. J. M., van der Sanden, W. J. M., & Mettes, T. G. (2016) · Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews · doi:10.1002/14651858.cd003879.pub4 · Cited by 139 · see citing works
Ghaeminia, H., Nienhuijs, M. E., Toedtling, V., Perry, J., Tummers, M., Hoppenreijs, T. J. M., van der Sanden, W. J. M., & Mettes, T. G. (2020) · Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews · doi:10.1002/14651858.cd003879.pub5 · Cited by 107 · see citing works
3D Mandibular Superimposition: Comparison of Regions of Reference for Voxel-Based Registration
Ruellas, A. C. D. O., Yatabe, M., Souki, B. Q., Benavides, E., Nguyen, T., Luiz, R. R., Franchi, L., & Cevidanes, L. (2016) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0157625 · Cited by 106 · see citing works
The Biology Underlying Abnormalities of Tooth Number in Humans
Juuri, E., & Balic, A. (2017) · Journal of Dental Research · doi:10.1177/0022034517720158 · Cited by 95 · see citing works
Tooth formation and eruption – lessons learnt from cleidocranial dysplasia
Kreiborg, S., & Jensen, B. L. (2018) · European Journal Of Oral Sciences · doi:10.1111/eos.12418 · Cited by 77 · see citing works
Prevalence of Third Molar Agenesis: Associated Dental Anomalies in Non-Syndromic 5923 Patients
Sujon, M. K., Alam, M. K., & Rahman, S. A. (2016) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0162070 · Cited by 61 · see citing works
The Changing Landscape in the Genetic Etiology of Human Tooth Agenesis
Williams, M. A., & Letra, A. (2018) · Genes · doi:10.3390/genes9050255 · Cited by 59 · see citing works
Rare and Common Variants Conferring Risk of Tooth Agenesis
Jönsson, L., Magnusson, T. E., Thordarson, A., Jónsson, T., Geller, F., Feenstra, B., Melbye, M., Nohr, E. A., Vucic, S., Dhamo, B., et al. (2018) · Journal of Dental Research · doi:10.1177/0022034517750109 · Cited by 53 · see citing works
Chen, Y.-W., Chi, L., & Lee, O. K. (2021) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0246625 · Cited by 51 · see citing works
Pinto, A. C., Francisco, H., Marques, D. N. D. S., Martins, J. N. R., & Caramês, J. (2024) · Journal of Clinical Medicine · doi:10.3390/jcm13247533 · Cited by 50 · see citing works
Third molar agenesis in modern humans with and without agenesis of other teeth
Scheiwiller, M., Oeschger, E. S., & Gkantidis, N. (2020) · PeerJ · doi:10.7717/peerj.10367 · Cited by 47 · see citing works
Number of teeth is associated with facial size in humans
Oeschger, E. S., Kanavakis, G., Halazonetis, D. J., & Gkantidis, N. (2020) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-020-58565-8 · Cited by 44 · see citing works
Angelakopoulos, N., Galić, I., Balla, S. B., Kış, H. C., Jiménez, L. G., Zolotenkova, G. V., Yusof, M. Y. P. M., Selmanagić, A., Pandey, H., Pereira, C. P., et al. (2021) · International Journal of Legal Medicine · doi:10.1007/s00414-021-02656-2 · Cited by 36 · see citing works
Monson, T. A., Coleman, J. L., & Hlusko, L. J. (2018) · The Anatomical Record · doi:10.1002/ar.23979 · Cited by 35 · see citing works
The evolution of anthropoid molar proportions
Carter, K. E., & Worthington, S. (2016) · BMC Evolutionary Biology · doi:10.1186/s12862-016-0673-5 · Cited by 34 · see citing works
Self-citationMarco, G. D., Lanza, A., Cristache, C. M., CAPCHA, E. B., ESPINOZA, K. I., Rullo, R., Vernal, R., Cafferata, E. A., & Francesco, F. D. (2021) · Journal of Applied Oral Science · doi:10.1590/1678-7757-2020-0932 · Cited by 33 · see citing works
Vranckx, M., Ockerman, A., Coucke, W., Claerhout, E., Grommen, B., Miclotte, A., Vlierberghe, M. V., Politis, C., & Jacobs, R. (2019) · Orthodontics and Craniofacial Research · doi:10.1111/ocr.12297 · Cited by 31 · see citing works
Third Molar Agenesis Is Associated with Facial Size
Gkantidis, N., Tacchi, M., Oeschger, E. S., Halazonetis, D. J., & Kanavakis, G. (2021) · Biology · doi:10.3390/biology10070650 · Cited by 31 · see citing works
Third molars and periodontal damage of second molars in the general population
Kindler, S., Holtfreter, B., Koppe, T., Mksoud, M., Lucas, C., Seebauer, C., Völzke, H., Kocher, T., Johnson, K., Langner, S., et al. (2018) · Journal Of Clinical Periodontology · doi:10.1111/jcpe.13008 · Cited by 31 · see citing works
Number of Teeth Is Related to Craniofacial Morphology in Humans
Oeschger, E. S., Kanavakis, G., Cocos, A., Halazonetis, D. J., & Gkantidis, N. (2022) · Biology · doi:10.3390/biology11040544 · Cited by 28 · see citing works
da Nóbrega, J. B. M., Protásio, A. P. L., Ribeiro, I. L. A., Valença, A. M. G., Santiago, B. M., & Cameriere, R. (2019) · Forensic Science International · doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.109917 · Cited by 26 · see citing works
Third molar agenesis relates to human craniofacial form
Kanavakis, G., Alamoudi, R., Oeschger, E. S., Tacchi, M., Halazonetis, D. J., & Gkantidis, N. (2023) · European Journal of Orthodontics · doi:10.1093/ejo/cjad057 · Cited by 18 · see citing works
Autologous platelet concentrates after third molar extraction: A systematic review
Siawasch, S. A. M., Yu, J., Castro, A. B. S., Temmerman, A., Teughels, W., & Quirynen, M. (2024) · Periodontology 2000 · doi:10.1111/prd.12600 · Cited by 18 · see citing works
Biting mechanics and niche separation in a specialized clade of primate seed predators
Ledogar, J. A., Luk, T. H. Y., Perry, J. M. G., Neaux, D., & Wroe, S. (2018) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0190689 · Cited by 18 · see citing works
Evidence of dental agenesis in late pleistocene Homo
Lacy, S. (2021) · International Journal of Paleopathology · doi:10.1016/j.ijpp.2021.01.001 · Cited by 18 · see citing works
Kindler, S., Ittermann, T., Bülow, R., Holtfreter, B., Klausenitz, C., Metelmann, P. H., Mksoud, M., Pink, C., Seebauer, C., Kocher, T., et al. (2019) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0225444 · Cited by 17 · see citing works
Expanding the genetic spectrum of tooth agenesis using whole‐exome sequencing
Yu, K., Dou, J., Huang, W., Wang, F., & Wu, Y. (2022) · Clinical Genetics · doi:10.1111/cge.14225 · Cited by 15 · see citing works
Consecutive tooth agenesis patterns in non-syndromic oligodontia
Baba, R., Sato, A., & Arai, K. (2021) · Odontology · doi:10.1007/s10266-021-00634-z · Cited by 15 · see citing works
Sexual Dimorphism in Third Molar Agenesis in Humans with and without Agenesis of Other Teeth
Alamoudi, R., Ghamri, M., Mistakidis, I., & Gkantidis, N. (2022) · Biology · doi:10.3390/biology11121725 · Cited by 15 · see citing works
Genetic and Morphological Variation in Hypodontia of Maxillary Lateral Incisors
Kerekes-Máthé, B., Mártha, K., Bănescu, C. V., O’Donnell, M. B., & Brook, A. H. (2023) · Genes · doi:10.3390/genes14010231 · Cited by 14 · see citing works
Vukelić, A., Cohen, J. A., Sullivan, A., & Perry, G. H. (2017) · Human Biology · doi:10.13110/humanbiology.89.2.03 · Cited by 14 · see citing works
Ventä, I., Vehkalahti, M. M., Huumonen, S., & Suominen, A. L. (2020) · Community Dentistry And Oral Epidemiology · doi:10.1111/cdoe.12517 · Cited by 13 · see citing works
Ota, S., Hirakata, C., & Endo, T. (2019) · Journal of Oral Science · doi:10.2334/josnusd.18-0319 · Cited by 12 · see citing works
Liu, K., Chu, G., Zhang, C., & Yang, Y. (2024) · Orthodontics and Craniofacial Research · doi:10.1111/ocr.12778 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
Are third molars associated with orofacial pain? Findings from the SHIP study
Mksoud, M., Ittermann, T., Daboul, A., Schneider, P., Bernhardt, O., Koppe, T., Bülow, R., Metelmann, H., Völzke, H., & Kindler, S. (2020) · Community Dentistry And Oral Epidemiology · doi:10.1111/cdoe.12540 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
Fluctuating asymmetry in third molar agenesis as an aid to estimate socioeconomic status
Dinis, A. R., Teixeira, A., Pérez‐Mongiovi, D., & Caldas, I. M. (2023) · Forensic Science Medicine and Pathology · doi:10.1007/s12024-023-00706-2 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
Genetic Aspects of Tooth Agenesis
Modafferi, C., Tucci, I., Bogliardi, F. M., Gimondo, E., Chiurazzi, P., Tabolacci, E., & Grippaudo, C. (2025) · Genes · doi:10.3390/genes16050582 · Cited by 12 · see citing works
Fahd, A., Temerek, A. T., Ellabban, M. T., Adam, S. A. N., Shaheen, S. D., Refai, M., & Shatat, Z. A. (2023) · Imaging Science in Dentistry · doi:10.5624/isd.20220191 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
Occlusal characteristics in modern humans with tooth agenesis
Alamoudi, R., Kanavakis, G., Oeschger, E. S., Halazonetis, D. J., & Gkantidis, N. (2024) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-024-56449-9 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
Chen, Y.-W., Chi, L., & Lee, O. K. (2020) · Journal of the Formosan Medical Association · doi:10.1016/j.jfma.2020.06.003 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
Herrmann, S., Küchler, É. C., Reis, C. L. B., Paddenberg, E., Zbidat, N., Mattos, N. H. R., Schröder, A., Proff, P., & Kirschneck, C. (2022) · Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger · doi:10.1016/j.aanat.2022.151972 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
Hyperdontia across sub-Saharan Africa: Prevalence, patterning, and implications
Irish, J. D. (2022) · Archives of Oral Biology · doi:10.1016/j.archoralbio.2022.105463 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
Forensic Age Estimation: A Multifactorial Approach in a Retrospective Population Study
Bjelopavlovic, M., Reder, S. R., Fritzen, I., Brockmann, M. A., Hardt, J., & Petrowski, K. (2023) · Diagnostics · doi:10.3390/diagnostics13122029 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
Mugharet el'Aliya: Affinities of an enigmatic north African Aterian maxillary fragment
Röding, C., Stringer, C. B., Lacruz, R. S., & Harvati, K. (2022) · American Journal of Biological Anthropology · doi:10.1002/ajpa.24642 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
Third molar tooth agenesis and pattern of impaction in patients with palatally displaced canines
Alhaija, E. S. A., & Wazwaz, F. T. (2018) · The Angle Orthodontist · doi:10.2319/031318-203.1 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
Prevalence of Impacted Teeth: A Radiographical Retrospective Rio de Janeiro Population-Based Study
Menezes, C. G. D. S., Sartoretto, S. C., Louro, R. S., de Moraes, J. B., & Moraschini, V. (2023) · Journal of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery · doi:10.1007/s12663-023-02021-3 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
Exploring the association between PITX2, third molars agenesis and sella turcica morphology
Küchler, É. C., do Brasil, J. D. M. T., Madalena, I. R., Proff, P., Baratto‐Filho, F., Alam, M. K., Schröder, Â. G. D., Lepri, C. P., Kirschneck, C., & Oliveira, M. A. H. D. M. (2024) · Head & Face Medicine · doi:10.1186/s13005-024-00414-4 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
Exploring the Association Between Third Molar Agenesis and Carabelli Traits: A Cross-Sectional Study
Madalena, I. R., Resende, H. G., Blancato, A. B., Oliveira, M. A. H. D. M., Baratto‐Filho, F., Santos, P. F., Perin, C. P., do Nascimento, T. V. P. M., Proff, P., Kirschneck, C., et al. (2025) · Dentistry Journal · doi:10.3390/dj13010023 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
Huang, C., Wang, Y., Wang, Y., & Zhao, Z. (2024) · Clinical Oral Investigations · doi:10.1007/s00784-024-05967-x · Cited by 7 · see citing works
Evaluation of the frequency of third molar agenesis according to different age groups
Pamukçu, U., İspir, N. G., Alkurt, M. T., Altunkaynak, B., & Peker, İ. (2020) · American Journal of Human Biology · doi:10.1002/ajhb.23487 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
The relationship between agenesis of third molar and craniofacial morphology in orthodontic patients
Akbari, N., Moghadam, M., & Etemadi, F. (2018) · Journal of International Society of Preventive and Community Dentistry · doi:10.4103/jispcd.jispcd_110_18 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
Ahmed, F., Baliga, S. D., Baliga, S. S., Rathi, P., & Jha, G. K. (2024) · Cureus · doi:10.7759/cureus.53370 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
Cavaré, A., Decaup, P.-H., Boileau, M.-J., & Garot, E. (2025) · International Orthodontics · doi:10.1016/j.ortho.2025.100999 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
Association between craniofacial patterns and third molar agenesis in orthodontic patients
Paddenberg, E., Silva‐Sousa, A. C., Blancato, A. B., Lepri, C. P., Proff, P., Küchler, É. C., & Kirschneck, C. (2023) · Journal of Orofacial Orthopedics / Fortschritte der Kieferorthopädie · doi:10.1007/s00056-023-00484-0 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
The effect of burning on dental tissue: A macroscopic and microscopic investigation
Peer, M., & Sarig, R. (2024) · Forensic Science International · doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.111987 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
Ventä, I., Snäll, J., Rice, D. P. C., & Suominen, A. L. (2024) · Clinical Oral Investigations · doi:10.1007/s00784-024-05845-6 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
Different species on the horizon: The Denisova hominins
Viola, B. (2022) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-821428-2.00015-9 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
Improvement of the Impacted Level of Lower Third Molars After Orthodontic Treatment
Phan, A. H., Lam, P. H., Lê, L. Đ., & Le, S. H. (2023) · International Dental Journal · doi:10.1016/j.identj.2023.01.006 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Olczyk, A., Malicka, B., & Skośkiewicz−Malinowska, K. (2024) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0299123 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Zhang, J., Zhang, K., Zhou, X., Li, Y., Liu, Y., Peng, Y., & Pan, J. (2024) · BMC Oral Health · doi:10.1186/s12903-024-04248-z · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Gao, Q., Zhou, X., Zhao, Z., Chen, B., Huang, M., Lin, H., Guo, W., & Liu, C. (2024) · BMC Oral Health · doi:10.1186/s12903-024-04815-4 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Prevalence and Radiographic Patterns of Third Molar Impaction and Agenesis in the Kazakh Population
Yaşa, Y., Алтынбеков, К. Д., Kalafatoğlu, B. S., Шаяхметова, М. К., Alhusain, M., & Altynbekov, C. (2025) · International Dental Journal · doi:10.1016/j.identj.2025.100897 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
de Diego, R. G., Montero, J., López-Valverde, N., de Nieves, J. I., Prados‐Frutos, J. C., & López‐Valverde, A. (2017) · Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry · doi:10.4317/jced.53947 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Third Molar Surgery: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocol
Salas, G., Lai, S., Verdugo‐Paiva, F., & Requena, R. (2021) · Craniomaxillofacial Trauma & Reconstruction · doi:10.1177/19433875211016203 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Ojala-Alasuutari, M., Hassan, S. J., Näpänkangas, R., Ylikontiola, L. P., & Lähdesmäki, R. E. (2021) · Acta Odontologica Scandinavica · doi:10.1080/00016357.2021.2021282 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Age prediction in sub-adults based on MRI segmentation of 3rd molar tissue volumes
Bjørk, M. B., Kvaal, S. I., Bleka, Ø., Sakinis, T., Tuvnes, F. A., Haugland, M.-A., Lauritzen, P. M., & Eggesbø, H. B. (2023) · International Journal of Legal Medicine · doi:10.1007/s00414-023-02977-4 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Bjørk, M. B., Bleka, Ø., Kvaal, S. I., Sakinis, T., Tuvnes, F. A., Eggesbø, H. B., & Lauritzen, P. M. (2023) · International Journal of Legal Medicine · doi:10.1007/s00414-023-03149-0 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Genetic Implications in Orthodontic Tooth Movement
Hartsfield, J. K., & Morford, L. A. (2016) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-26609-1_5 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
The Non-Masticatory Use of the Anterior Teeth Among Late Pleistocene Humans
Willman, J. C. (2016) · Open Scholarship Institutional Repository (Washington University in St. Louis) · doi:10.7936/k73f4n01 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Radiographic Assessment of Third Molars Agenesis Patterns in Young Adults
Chugh, A., Smriti, K., Singh, A., Kumar, M., Pentapati, K. C., Gadicherla, S., Nayyar, C., & Kapoor, S. (2021) · Pesquisa Brasileira em Odontopediatria e Clínica Integrada · doi:10.1590/pboci.2021.076 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Timme, M., Timme, W. H., Olze, A., Ottow, C., Gladitz, J., Pfeiffer, H., Dettmeyer, R. B., & Schmeling, A. (2019) · International Journal of Legal Medicine · doi:10.1007/s00414-019-02144-8 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Bite force production and the origin of Homo
Ledogar, J. A., Benazzi, S., Smith, A. L., Dechow, P. C., Wang, Q., Cook, R. W., Neaux, D., Ross, C. F., Grosse, I. R., Wright, B. W., et al. (2025) · Royal Society Open Science · doi:10.1098/rsos.241879 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
Agenesis of third molar among the younger population of India born in twenty first century
Jadhav, A. N., Shaikh, S. S., & Shushma, G. (2024) · National Journal of Maxillofacial Surgery · doi:10.4103/njms.njms_162_22 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Investigating the Influence of a Tooth Absence on Facial Bone Growth Using a Porcine Model
Szkopek, D., Wychowański, P., Zaworski, K., Seklecka, B., Starzyński, R. R., Lipiński, P., Pierzynowska, K. G., Pierzynowski, S. G., Donaldson, J., Paczewski, Ł., et al. (2024) · International Journal of Molecular Sciences · doi:10.3390/ijms252312509 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Association between dental agenesis and facial morphology. A cross-sectional study in France
Brézulier, D., Raimbault, P., Jeanne, S., Davit‐Béal, T., & Cathelineau, G. (2024) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0314404 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Retrospective Evaluation of Tooth Agenesis in Different Regions of Turkey with Panoramic Radiography
Oral, N., Ayran, Ş., BALCI, A. A., Özdoğan, G., Karabıyıkoğlu, S. E., Öztürk, H. P., Özyiğit, H. A., TÜRERER, E., & Aydin, G. (2025) · Acta Stomatologica Croatica · doi:10.15644/asc59/1/5 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Angelakopoulos, N., Chaitanya, N. C., & Balla, S. B. (2024) · Archives of Legal Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.aolm.2024.200477 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Uozu, M., Seto, Y., & Endo, T. (2020) · Odontology · doi:10.1007/s10266-020-00513-z · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Radiographic evaluation of non-syndromic third molar agenesis in two Mediterranean populations
Reda, B., Fantin, F., Berro, K., Noujeim, Z., & El‐Outa, A. (2021) · Medicine and Pharmacy Reports · doi:10.15386/mpr-1914 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
An observational analysis of risk factors associated with symptomatic third molar teeth
Bruce, D., Dudding, T., Gormley, M., Richmond, R. C., & Haworth, S. J. (2023) · Wellcome Open Research · doi:10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17673.2 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Palatal canine impaction is not associated with third molar agenesis
Papadopoulou, C. I., Athanasiou, M., Gkantidis, N., & Kanavakis, G. (2025) · European Journal of Orthodontics · doi:10.1093/ejo/cjaf008 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Sfondrini, M. F., Pascadopoli, M., Sangalli, E., Falzinella, C., & Scribante, A. (2025) · International Orthodontics · doi:10.1016/j.ortho.2025.101061 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Boussali, S., & Cavaré, A. (2025) · Archives of Oral Biology · doi:10.1016/j.archoralbio.2025.106462 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Factors affecting number of third molars extracted in a single visit
Noro, A., Snäll, J., & Ventä, I. (2023) · Acta Odontologica Scandinavica · doi:10.1080/00016357.2023.2228882 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Vedula, P., Gannepalli, A., Balla, S. B., Ch, G., Anjum, B., & Ayinampudi, B. K. (2024) · International Journal of Legal Medicine · doi:10.1007/s00414-024-03300-5 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
The incidence and extraction causes of third molars among young adults in Poland
Tomaszewska, A., & Sikora, M. (2019) · Anthropological Review · doi:10.2478/anre-2019-0018 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Prediction of Age Older than 18 Years in Sub-adults by MRI Segmentation of 1st and 2nd Molars
Bjørk, M. B., Kvaal, S. I., Bleka, Ø., Sakinis, T., Tuvnes, F. A., Haugland, M.-A., Eggesbø, H. B., & Lauritzen, P. M. (2023) · International Journal of Legal Medicine · doi:10.1007/s00414-023-03055-5 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Agenesis of the permanent teeth in sub-Saharan Africans: Prevalence, patterns, interpretations
Irish, J. D. (2024) · Archives of Oral Biology · doi:10.1016/j.archoralbio.2024.105961 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
An observational analysis of risk factors associated with symptomatic third molar teeth
Bruce, D., Dudding, T., Gormley, M., Richmond, R. C., & Haworth, S. J. (2022) · Wellcome Open Research · doi:10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17673.1 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Gao, Q., Zhou, X., Chen, B., Huang, M., Lin, H., Guo, W., Tsay, T. P., & Liu, C. (2022) · Research Square · doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-1962684/v1 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
The Relationship between Third Molar Agenesis and Gender, Residence Area and Class of Malocclusion
Golovcencu, L., Anistoroaei, D., Săveanu, C. I., Cernei, E. R., Sodor-Botezatu, A., & Zegan, G. (2021) · E-Health and Bioengineering Conference (EHB) · doi:10.1109/ehb52898.2021.9657716 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Third molar agenesis in individuals with supernumerary teeth
Friedli, L., Henninger, E., Makrygiannakis, M. A., Zymperdikas, V. F., Papadopoulos, M. A. A. P., Kanavakis, G., & Gkantidis, N. (2024) · Orthodontics and Craniofacial Research · doi:10.1111/ocr.12807 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Alshehri, S., Alshehri, T., AlMutiri, H., AlJami, A. A., Alsubaie, A., Aljofi, F. E., AlSharief, M., AlSaadoun, M., Alali, Y. S., & Al‐Dulaijan, Y. A. (2024) · F1000Research · doi:10.12688/f1000research.158144.1 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Hassan, S. J., Lappalainen, O.-P., Ojala-Alasuutari, M., Harila, V., & Näpänkangas, R. (2025) · Acta Odontologica Scandinavica · doi:10.2340/aos.v84.44657 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Association between third molar agenesis and dental maturity in Brazilian children
Zanqueta, G. S. D. C., Abuabara, A., do Nascimento, T. V. P. M., Oliveira, M. A. H. D. M., Madalena, I. R., Kirschneck, C., de Araújo, C. M., Baratto‐Filho, F., Küchler, É. C., & Lepri, C. P. (2025) · Forensic Science Medicine and Pathology · doi:10.1007/s12024-025-01126-0 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
The effects of environmental stress on third molar agenesis in humans and its population differences
Katsuyama, R. (2026) · Anthropological Science · doi:10.1537/ase.251105 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Bazin, M., Kérourédan, O., Garot, E., Van‐Gils, J., & Cavaré, A. (2026) · International Orthodontics · doi:10.1016/j.ortho.2026.101145 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
- Authors
- Carter, K., & Worthington, S.
- Affiliations
- Harvard University (US)
- ORCID
- Worthington, S.
- Venue
- Journal of Dental Research
- Publisher
- SAGE Publications
- Published
- 2015-04-16
- Volume
- 94
- Issue
- 7
- Pages
- 886-894
- ISSN
- 0022-0345 (ISSN-L)
- 1544-0591
- OpenAlex
- W1994849206
- Cited by
- 141
- References
- 63
- Citations by year
- 2026: 12 · 2025: 19 · 2024: 23 · 2023: 17 · 2022: 10 · 2021: 15 · 2020: 12 · 2019: 9 · 2018: 12 · 2017: 5 · 2016: 6 · 2015: 1
- FWCI
- 0.78
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Dental Research (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- National Science Foundation
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › dental development and anomalies
- Health Sciences › Dentistry › Oral Surgery › Dental Radiography and Imaging
- Health Sciences › Dentistry › Oral Surgery › Endodontics and Root Canal Treatments
- Keywords
- third molar agenesis, tooth agenesis, prevalence, sex differences, maxillary third molar, mandibular third molar, regional variation, third molar extraction
- MeSH terms
- Anodontia, Female, Humans, Male, Mandible, Maxilla, Molar, Third, Sex Factors, Logistic Models, Publication Bias
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review
