Purpose: To study the characteristics of the third molar by panoramic radiography in a sample of Syrian patients. Materials and methods: We analyzed 335 panoramic radiographs of Syrian patients with at least one third molar. The sample consisted of 169 males (50.5%) and 166 females (49.5%). Third molars were classified according to Pell and Gregory’s classification and Winter’s classification. Results: The incidence of impaction was higher among females than males. The most common pattern was of vertically mandibular third molars at level A and class II, followed by vertically maxillary third molars at level B. Conclusions: The early diagnosis of impacted third molars by panoramic radiographs is useful for determining the position and depth of these molars and for proper planning for extraction.