Résumé -Objectif : L'objectif de cette étude était de mettre en exergue le rôle de l'orthopantomographie dans la prédiction des difficultés rencontrées lors de l'avulsion des troisièmes molaires incluses en utilisant l'échelle de Pederson. Abstract -Difficulties of impacted lower third molar extraction: the role of the orthopantomogram. Introduction: The orthopantomogram allows for the classification of impacted lower third molars according to depth, the spatial relationship with the ramus and the root relationship/mandibular canal. The aim of this study was to show the role of orthopantomography in the prediction of the difficulties encountered in the extraction of impacted lower third molars using the Pederson scale. Material and Method: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study in the Oral Surgery Service of the Dentistry Department at the Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar. The study was done between October 2012 and February 2013. 62 patients were involved. Results: The age group 15-25 was the most represented (57%). The mean age of patients was 26 ± 9 years with extremes of 15 and 73 years. Lower third molars with two roots accounted for 92%. Horizontal angulation (44%) and mesial angulation (35%) were the most represented. Half of the sample exhibited a depth of inclusion of position A (54%). The position I represented 40% of cases. In 33% of cases there was no contact between the roots and the mandibular canal. Conclusion: The orthopantomogram allows grading of the difficulty level for third molar extraction, using the Pederson scale. In our sample, extraction was difficult in 69% of the cases, moderate in 21% and easy in 33%.

No abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate radiographic changes of the mandible by mandibular cortical index (MCI) within a Senegalese population. Materials and Methods: The study was performed on digital panoramic radiographs of Senegalese melanoderm subjects. The radiographs were classified into 3 age groups: 18-40 years (Group I), 41-55 years (Group II), 56 years and over (Group III). The MCI was ranked according to Klemetti in three scores (C1, C2 and C3). The score was assigned by observing the morphology of the lower mandibular cortex. The chi-square test was used to study the relationship of MCI with age and sex. The level of significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: A total of 82 numerical radiographs were selected. In men, 79.07% (n = 34) had normal cortex (C1) and 69% (n = 27) in women. The C2 variant was more common in women (n = 10) and the C3 score was only found in women. The appearance of the lower cortex of the mandible was significantly associated with age (p = 0.009). Conclusion: This study has shown that MCI is a sensitive tool for the diagnosis of bone changes in the mandible in black African populations. However, these assertions should be confirmed by other studies with more representative samples.

No abstract