Prevalence of Impacted Mandibular Third Molars and its Influence on Second Molars: A Radiographic Study in Three Different Age Groups

Abstract

Introduction: Impacted third molars are the most frequently impacted teeth in humans and can predispose the adjacent second molar to an array of detrimental effects such as caries. Aim: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of impacted mandibular third molars and to evaluate the decay on the second molar as an effect of an impacted third molar in three different age groups. Objectives: The present study evaluates (1) prevalence and determines the decay on the second molar as an effect of impacted mandibular third molars in three different age groups and (2) awareness among the patients about mandibular third molar impaction and its treatment. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kamineni Institute of Dental Sciences, Sreepuram, Narketpally, Nalgonda, Telangana. A total of 150 radiographs records have been assessed. Based on the age groups, 150 radiographs have been divided into three groups, namely, Group A: Age: 21-25 years (50 radiographs); Group B: Age: 26-30 years (50 radiographs); and Group C: Age: 31-35 years (50 radiographs). Results: The present study reveals that mesioangular impactions were the most prevalent type of impaction, followed by horizontal, vertical, and distoangular impactions. In age groups 21-25 years and 31-35 years, horizontal third molar impaction shows the highest effect on adjacent second molar. Of 150 patients, 87 (58%) show grossly decayed second molar because of the effect of impacted mandibular third molars and 58 (39%) patients were asymptomatic and unaware of existing condition and pathology of an adjacent second molar. Conclusion: Impacted mandibular third molars are associated with complications that are manifested on the adjacent second molars. In this present study, about 58% show decay on the second molar as an effect of an impacted mandibular third molars and 39% were unaware of the existing condition of second molars, and if untreated, it may lead to the severe destruction of the tooth.