title: The ability of orthodontists and oral/maxillofacial surgeons to predict eruption of lower third molar.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of oral/maxillofacial surgeons (OMFSs) and orthodontists to predict third molar eruption by examining a simple panoramic radiograph in cases where full spontaneous eruption occurred.
  
  
  METHODS
  Panoramic radiographs of 17 patients, 13-16 years of age, were obtained just after orthodontic treatment (T1), when the third molars were intraosseous. The radiographs at T1 were presented to 28 OMFSs and 28 orthodontists-who were asked to give a prognosis for the lower third molars on both sides (n = 34). The full spontaneous eruption of all third molars was clinically observed when patients were older than 18 years (T2). These teeth were clinically asymptomatic at T1 and T2.
  
  
  RESULTS
  OMFSs decided by extractions in 49.6 % of cases while orthodontists in 37.8 % (p < 0.001), when the radiographs were examined at T1. Agreement between OMFSs and orthodontists was excellent (Kappa = 0.76, p < 0.0001), as well as intragroup agreement for both OMFSs (Kappa = 0.83) and orthodontists (Kappa = 0.96).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite a remarkable agreement for third molar prognosis, orthodontists and OMFSs were unable to predict lower third molar eruption by examining a simple panoramic radiograph. Both indicated extractions of a considerable number of spontaneously erupted asymptomatic teeth.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, Brazilian Association of Dentistry, Trav. Marques de Herval, 2298, Belém, Pará, 66.087-320, Brazil.
authors.forename: Aline do Carmo
authors.initials: Ado C
authors.lastname: Bastos
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, Brazilian Association of Dentistry, Trav. Marques de Herval, 2298, Belém, Pará, 66.087-320, Brazil.
authors.forename: Joelma Bezerra
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: de Oliveira
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, Brazilian Association of Dentistry, Trav. Marques de Herval, 2298, Belém, Pará, 66.087-320, Brazil.
authors.forename: Karina Flexa Ribeiro
authors.initials: KF
authors.lastname: Mello
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, Brazilian Association of Dentistry, Trav. Marques de Herval, 2298, Belém, Pará, 66.087-320, Brazil.
authors.forename: Patrícia Botelho
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Leão
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, Rio de Janeiro State University, Boulevard 28 de Setembro, 157, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP: 20551-030, Brazil.
authors.forename: Flavia
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Artese
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, Federal University of Pará, Augusto Corrêa St., number 1, College of Dentistry, Belém, Pará, 66.075-110, Brazil. davidnormando@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Normando
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000628:therapy; D008963:Molar / Q000601:surgery; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D000066794:Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons; D000066792:Orthodontists; D019239:Practice Patterns, Dentists'; D011379:Prognosis; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic / Q000379:methods*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014078:Tooth Eruption; D014081:Tooth Extraction; D014087:Tooth Movement Techniques; D014095:Tooth, Impacted
keywords: Dental eruption; Extraction; Impaction; Third molar