Frequency of different types of mandibular third molar impactions

Impacted third molars are a major problem in modern dentistry and the decision of whether to remove an impacted third molar is probably one of the most frequent treatment decisions faced by dentists. Impacted mandibular third molars are often associated with pericoronitis, periodontitis, cystic lesions, neoplasm, and pathological root resorption and can cause detrimental effects on the adjacent tooth. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to determine the frequency of different types of mandibular third molar impactions.

This cross-sectional study was carried out in the outdoor patient Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Multan Medical and Dental College, Multan during a period of 6 months from 15 December 2017 to 14 June 2018. After written informed consent, a total of 200 patients were recruited, diagnosed clinically and radiographically as having impacted mandibular 3^rd molar. Angulation of impacted third molar was classified according to the long axis of the adjacent second molar on periapical and OPG radiographs. Statistical analysis was done through SPSS version 20.

Out of 200 patients, the frequency of mesioangular, vertical, distoangular, and horizontal impactions were 84 (42%), 60 (30%), 40 (20%), and 16 (8%) respectively. The depths of the impactions were 67 (33.5%) depth A, 92 (46%) depth B, and 41 (20.5%) depth C.

Mesioangular impaction was more common followed by vertical. Depth B was the most common.