Pathologies associated with the mandibular third molar impaction

Abstract

To evaluate the associations of impaction patterns of mandibular third molars (M3Ms) with pathologies caused by them. In this study, 262 patients with 432 impacted M3Ms who referred in Shanghai Xuhui District Center were reviewed. The pathologies include pericoronitis, mandibular second molar (M2M) caries, and M2M distal periodontal pathology. The impaction patterns of M3Ms and the pathologies were examined, while the M2M outcomes after surgeries were evaluated. A χ2 test was used to analyze the data, with a p value of <0.05 being considered statistically significant. Pericoronitis was the major symptom in all patients, whereas the propensities of M2M distal caries and periodontal pathologies increased in older patients. Soft tissue impacted and vertically angulated teeth were more associated with pericoronitis ( p < 0.05); mesio-angular impacted teeth in less deep positions had greater risks of M2Ms distal caries ( p < 0.05); mesio-angular and horizontal impacted teeth in relative deep positions were more likely to cause M2Ms distal periodontal pathologies ( p < 0.05). Extractions of soft tissue impacted teeth in vertical angulations should be considered, while removals of mesially and horizontally angulated or bony impacted teeth could be delayed.

The pattern of mandibular third molar impaction and its relationship with the development of distal caries in adjacent second molars among Emiratis: a retrospective study

“…This last method provides more accurate results and allows the methodology of the study to be reproduced. In accordance with our findings, many previous studies have also shown that mesioangular impaction is the most common type of impaction [ 2 – 4 , 7 , 8 , 14 , 17 – 21 , 23 ]. On the other hand, some other previous reports demonstrated that the vertical type of MTM impaction is the predominant impaction type [ 6 , 22 , 24 ].…”

“…A comparable prevalence rate was observed in Saudi Arabia [ 17 ]. However, lower [ 8 , 14 ] and higher [ 18 , 19 ] prevalence rates have been reported. It is possible that inconsistencies in prevalence may be attributed to the difference in mineralization rates of the MTM, tooth-to-jaw ratios, and physical maturity among the study samples.…”

“…Comparable results have been observed in a previous study [ 20 ]. However, there have been previous reports that showed both higher [ 14 , 16 , 18 ] and lower [ 8 ] rates of bilateral impaction.…”

“…The presence of distal caries in the MSM (Fig. 2 ) was considered when the OPG showed evidence of distal caries or distal filling with or without related pulpal and periapical disease associated with an adjacent impacted MTM [ 8 ].

Fig.

…”

“…It is well documented that MTM impactions are associated with many pathologies, including pericoronitis, distal caries, root resorption and distal periodontal pockets of the mandibular second molar (MSM), cysts, and halitosis [ 6 – 8 ]. They can also cause neoplastic changes, orthodontic and prosthetic problems, and temporomandibular joint disorders [ 9 ].…”