title: Rotational drift of mandibular third molar teeth: a series of four cases.
abstract: Rotational drift of mandibular third molar teeth is a challenge for clinicians to predict and manage. Evidence on the incidence and degree of rotation is sparse. As the factors influencing rotation are not defined, prediction is impossible. A series of four cases with lower third molar rotation are presented and discussed. Significant rotation can alter the degree of difficulty for an extraction. A lack of well-documented cases has hindered investigation of this phenomenon. Further research is required to identify the aetiology, incidence and increase in risk factors caused by such rotational drift.
authors.affiliation: Royal Australian Navy and Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Victoria.
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Hughes
authors.forename: S T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Vudiniabola
authors.forename: B D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: McMillan
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011859:Radiography; D014085:Tooth Migration / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014095:Tooth, Impacted / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D055815:Young Adult