Prevalence of Third Molar Agenesis between the Individuals of Kerala and Bhutan: A Comparative Study

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of the third molar agenesis in Keralites and Bhutanese groups of individuals. Materials and Methods: One hundred and seven panoramic radiographs retrieved from the department of oral medicine and radiology were analyzed, which included 55 individuals from Kerala and 52 individuals from Bhutan within the age range of 18–25 years. The prevalence of third molar agenesis between individual dentition quadrants, upper and lower jaw, and right and left side of the dentition were examined and compared between the two groups. The data was analyzed using student's un-paired t-test and Chi square test. Results: Prevalence of third molar agenesis among 107 participants was 28.9%. It was more in Bhutanese (35.29%) compared to Keralites (23.63%). The association of females with agenesis was found to be more than males in both the groups (61.1% females in Bhutanese and 69.2% females in Keralites). Third molar agenesis was found to be more prevalent in maxillary arch as compared to the mandibular arch. The association of third molar agenesis with age and sex in both the groups was statistically not significant (P > 0.05). Incidentally, we found 0.9% of second molar agenesis bilaterally in Bhutanese. Conclusion: Third molar agenesis was higher among Bhutanese as compared to Keralites.