Investigation of the prevalence of impacted third molars and the effects of eruption level and angulation on caries development by panoramic radiographs

Abstract

Background This study is aimed to determine the prevalence of impacted third molars and to investigate the effects of their eruption level and angulation on caries formation in the distal of the adjacent tooth. Material and Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on panoramic radiographs of 38481 patients who were admitted to the Trakya University, Faculty of Dentistry. The panoramic radiographs of 7998 patients with at least one impacted third molar were included. Third molars were classified according to Winter’s classification and Pell and Gregory’s classification. The frequency of caries in partially impacted third molars and adjacent second molars was determined. The chi-square tests were used to determine potential associations between the third molars' level of eruption, angulation, and caries development. Results The study group consisted of 4423 females (55.3%) and 3575 males (44.7%) with a mean age of 36.3±13.4 years. The prevalence of the third molar impaction rate was 23%. The impaction pattern of partially erupted third molars was characterized by an eruption level of A with the vertical position in both jaws. Partially erupted and vertically placed maxillary third molars in the level of position A caused more caries in the adjacent tooth and mesioangularly located partially erupted mandibular third molars were associated with more caries in the adjacent tooth. Conclusions The angulation and eruption level of partially erupted third molars should be carefully examined. The prophylactic extraction of vertically and mesioangularly located third molars, especially with an eruption level of position A can be suggested to eliminate the related complications and risk of caries. Key words: Dental caries, digital radiography, impacted tooth, panoramic radiography, third molar.

Prevalence and pattern of third molars impaction: A retrospective radiographic study

“…Hashemipour et al . [ 9 ] research revealed that the extent of impacted 3 rd molars in Iran was estimated at 44.3%, Yıldırım and Büyükgöze-Dindar[ 10 ] research found 23% incidence, but Hattab et al . [ 11 ] study found it was 33%.…”

Dentists’ perception of third molar surgery in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A cross sectional pilot study

“…Prevalence of impacted teeth was extensively investigated, and researchers showed that third molars would compromise the most common type of impaction. 9 , 10 , 11 In KSA, third molar impaction was mostly found in Riyadh province that is centrally situated. 12 …”

Comparison of distribution and frequency of impacted teeth before and during COVID-19 pandemic in dental hospital: a descriptive study

“…Therefore, ideally all impacted third molar should be removed, unless contraindicated. [12][13][14][15] Based on gender (Table 2), the numbers of patients with impacted teeth both before and during the pandemic were 452 (63.3%) and 385 (66.6%), and were dominated by females. The study conducted in Kuwaiti by Ali, et al, 7 had the same results too, from a total of 932 cases there were 411 (44%) males and 521 (56%) females.…”

“…Therefore, ideally all impacted third molar should be removed, unless contraindicated. [12][13][14][15] The frequent indication of third molar removal is pericoronitis, dental caries, orthodontic treatment, periodontal disease, facial pain, root resorption and odontogenic cyst and tumour, and pain of unexplained origin. [16][17][18][19][20] The high prevalence of impacted teeth and the COVID-19 pandemic interest the authors in seeking more information about this.…”