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%.