A cross-sectional study to evaluate impacted third molars using Orthopantamograph

Aim: The aim of the present study is to evaluate impacted mandibular third molars for pattern of impaction and relationship with mandibular canal using panaromic radiography. Methods and Material: The present study was conducted from March 2015 to August 2015. Panoramic radiographs were collected retrospectively from radiology clinics. A total of 145 samples were included in the study. Then from the samples, the following data was analyzed regarding the pattern of impaction, level of impaction, angulation and relationship of third molar to the inferior alveolar Canal with their roots and also assessment of any effect on the adjacent tooth structure such as an external root resorption. Results: Mandibular third molar impaction is more common between 18–27 years of age and is statistically significant. There is a statistically significant difference in the available space for eruption and side of impaction (P-value: <0.001). There is a statistically significant difference in the type of angulation and level of impaction (P-value: < 0.001). Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (version 15.0; SPSS, Inc, Chicago, IL). Conclusions: More precise studies with large randomized samples will be necessary to evaluate the prevalence of impaction. Further research is recommended with a larger sample size to find the difference gender wise