Global Variation in Upper Third Molar Agenesis
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Authors
Black, Alex
Scott, G. Richard
Issue Date
11/30/2025
Type
Poster
Language
en_US
Keywords
Agenesis , Molars
Alternative Title
Abstract
Tooth agenesis, defined as the congenital absence of one or more teeth, most commonly affects upper third molars. The third molar is the last tooth to develop in the dentition, and experiences the highest variation in size and morphology, demonstrating instability. Although the exact etiology of third molar agenesis is unknown, previous studies suggest it is influenced by evolutionary reductions in jaw size, tooth size, softer diets, and genetic variation. Christy G Turner II scored 40 morphological tooth crown and root traits, including upper third molar agenesis and the associated conditions of pegged and reduced third molars. These variables turned out to be a very sensitive indicator of world population history. His research demonstrated that frequencies of upper third molar reduction and absence exhibit strong dependence on geographic regions. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the frequencies of upper third molar agenesis and the associated traits of pegged and reduced third molars using a globally distributed archaeological dataset.