Third Molar Eruption Mechanisms and Patterns

Abstract

Third molars are highly variable in their presence and form. This report focuses on a horizontally impacted third molar and analyzes the potential etiology of this situation. Upon a clinical and radiographic examination, it was noted that the patient had four third molars present. The patient’s third molars began erupting around the age of 19. Currently, they are asymptomatic with incipient caries on the occlusal surfaces. While three of the third molars erupted in a normal orientation, one of the third molars (mandibular left) erupted in an orientation that would be classified as horizontal and/or mesio-angular. No treatment has been undertaken at the moment, however surgical extraction can be recommended with the prognosis being very good. For the clinician that has to treat dental complications that arise from abnormal tooth eruption, as seen in numerous genetic and acquired disorders, knowledge about the basic molecular mechanisms involved may become extremely important.