An impacted tooth is partially erupted or un-erupted, positioned against another tooth, bone or soft tissue in such a way as to prevent further eruption. Normal dental arch relationships are disrupted. This study investigated the prevalence of impactions of third molar teeth amongst Indians residing in the greater eThekwini Metropolitan area. A sample of 274 digital panoramic radiographs was examined. Impacted third molars were identified on 222 scans. The impactions were classified using Winter's, and Pell and Gregory's schemes. Statistical analysis was applied to determine any relationship between impactions and sex and age. Eighty-one percent of individuals presented with at least one impacted third molar, mandibular frequency being significantly higher in both sexes (p-value = 0.000). The most prevalent types of impaction were mesioangular (mandibular)and vertical angulation (maxillary). For level of impaction, Class B and Class A were respectively most prevalent in the mandible and the maxilla. With the exception of angulation of impacted mandibular third molars on the right side, all parameters showed a statistically significant correlation with age (p-value=0.000). The high frequency of these eruption problems in this study may alert maxillo-facial and dental surgeons, and forensic investigators, to potential clinical challenges. Mandible, maxilla, prevalence, third molar impaction, radiology. Tooth impaction is a pathological condition wherein a tooth is completely or partially unerupted and positioned against another tooth, bone or soft tissue, thus being prevented further eruption into its normal functioning position. 1,2 The third molars, which are commonly called wisdom teeth, are the only teeth to erupt during adolescence or early adulthood, often referred to as the age of "wisdom," hence the name. 1 However, variations exist in the age of eruption, which generally occurs between the ages of 18-24 years. 3 The mandibular third molars are the most frequently impacted teeth in humans followed by the maxillary third molars, maxillary canines and mandibular canines. 4 The factors causing third molar impaction include crowding, ectopic position of the tooth germs, supernumerary teeth, genetic factors and soft tissue or bony lesions. 4,5