Accuracy of the Third Molar Eruption Predictor in predicting eruption.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the possibility of applying the Third Molar Eruption Predictor to all panoramic radiographs.


METHODS
Panoramic radiographs were retrospectively analyzed from a 4-year follow-up study of third molars carried out at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. The radiographs, taken at a mean age of 20.6 years, included 45 unerupted or partially erupted mandibular third molars in 28 subjects. Because the device was calibrated both with simple proportions and by use of the methods of Bayes' Decision Theory, the separation point of the device was therefore adjusted at 12 mm from the distal surface of the second molar.


RESULTS
The predictions of future eruption or impaction made with the calibrated device and the actual clinical outcome 4 years later were in conformity for 80% of the mandibular third molars.


CONCLUSIONS
The Third Molar Eruption Predictor may be applied to all panoramic radiographs, but it seems to require calibration before use.
Ventä
I
I
Department of Oral Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland. irja.venta@helsinki.fi
Schou
S
S
D000328:Adult; D001499:Bayes Theorem; D002138:Calibration; D003718:Denmark; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005544:Forecasting / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008963:Molar / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology*; D015588:Observer Variation; D009811:Odontometry; D011336:Probability; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D019228:Tooth Crown / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014078:Tooth Eruption; D014095:Tooth, Impacted / Q000503:physiopathology; D014097:Tooth, Unerupted / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology