The effect of impaction on the mineralisation of third molars and forensic age estimation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
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BORIS DOI
Publisher DOI
PubMed ID
41038064
Description
Objectives
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate whether impaction affects the mineralization and developmental timing of mandibular third molars.Methods
A systematic literature review was conducted, adhering in part to the PRISMA statement and registered in The International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews, PROSPERO: CRD42023454534. Four scientific databases (PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science) were used as primary search sources, and one (OATD) was consulted to retrieve part of the grey literature. Methodological quality was appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies. Mean differences in developmental timing were pooled for random-effect meta-analysis, and subgroup analyses were conducted by developmental stage and sex.Results
Fifteen studies were included in the qualitative review, and five were eligible for meta-analysis. Impacted third molars exhibited a statistically significant developmental delay compared to non-impacted counterparts, with a pooled mean difference of 0.8 years (95 % CI: 0.61-0.98; I²= 81.5 %). Methodological quality was moderate to high, though substantial heterogeneity and population variability were observed.Conclusion
The results suggested that impaction can be associated with a delay of third molar development. This delay was more pronounced in females compared to males, together with variations in stage-specific sub-group analysis.
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate whether impaction affects the mineralization and developmental timing of mandibular third molars.Methods
A systematic literature review was conducted, adhering in part to the PRISMA statement and registered in The International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews, PROSPERO: CRD42023454534. Four scientific databases (PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science) were used as primary search sources, and one (OATD) was consulted to retrieve part of the grey literature. Methodological quality was appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies. Mean differences in developmental timing were pooled for random-effect meta-analysis, and subgroup analyses were conducted by developmental stage and sex.Results
Fifteen studies were included in the qualitative review, and five were eligible for meta-analysis. Impacted third molars exhibited a statistically significant developmental delay compared to non-impacted counterparts, with a pooled mean difference of 0.8 years (95 % CI: 0.61-0.98; I²= 81.5 %). Methodological quality was moderate to high, though substantial heterogeneity and population variability were observed.Conclusion
The results suggested that impaction can be associated with a delay of third molar development. This delay was more pronounced in females compared to males, together with variations in stage-specific sub-group analysis.
Date of Publication
2026-02
Publication Type
Article
Subject(s)
Keyword(s)
Dental Age Estimation
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Forensic age estimation
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Impacted
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Impaction
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Mineralisation
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Non-Impacted
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Third molars
Language(s)
en
Contributor(s)
Balla, Sudheer Babu | |
Ali, Sana Hamid | |
Mula, Asa Priyanka | |
Tadakamadla, Santosh Kumar | |
Rizky, Merdietio Boedi | |
Franco, Ademir | |
Tadakamadla, Jyothi |
Additional Credits
Series
Forensic Science International
Publisher
Elsevier
ISSN
1872-6283
0379-0738
Access(Rights)
restricted