Timing of human mandibular third molar formation

Background: Population differences in tooth formation using radiographs can be determined if the entire developmental sequence of a single tooth is studied. The only developing tooth visible radiographically from initiation to root completion is the third molar or wisdom tooth. Aim: The timing of mandibular third molar formation was documented for two groups of children in England and two in South Africa. Subjects and methods: Panoramic radiographs of White and Bangladeshi children from London and Black African and Cape Coloured children from South Africa were examined (age 5-24). Mean age of entering third molar stages (crypt appearance to root completion) was calculated using logistic regression and compared between sex and group using a t-test. Results: Average age of third molar stages was significantly (p