Peculiarities of mandible asymmetry in wisdom teeth retention

Abstract

For the purpose of studying the morphometric characteristics of a mandible without retention of the lower third molars, with their unilateral and bilateral retention, and with revealing the features of the asymmetrical structure of a mandible the craniometrical research was conducted on 80 mandibles of adults. All lower jaws were divided into four groups: I - without wisdom teeth germs; II - with third molars erupted; III - with a unilateral retention of lower third molars and IV - with their bilateral retention. It was established that morphometric parameters of the mandible with the bilateral retention of the third molars are similar to those with no wisdom teeth germs. The complete eruption of these teeth on both sides or even on one side leads to the statistically reliable augmentation of mandibular sizes. It was proved that the retention causes the distinct axial asymmetry of a mandible ramus, manifesting itself in irregular distance of the condylar and coronal processes from chin projection and mandible angle at contralateral sides. It was shown that the retention of the lower third molars is not only the disease associated with the wrong position of wisdom teeth germs or mandible underdevelopment, but confirms the systemic changes in the chewing apparatus.