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Symptoms of unerupted mandibular third molars
J Punwutikorn1, A Waikakul, P Ochareon
1Department of Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Summary
Partially erupted mandibular third molars cause more symptoms than completely unerupted ones, with pain and pericoronitis being the most frequent issues in patients. This study analyzed symptoms and associated pathoses in unerupted third molars.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Oral Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Unerupted mandibular third molars are common dental findings.
- Associated symptoms and pathologies can impact patient health.
- Understanding these associations is crucial for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the prevalence of symptoms in patients with unerupted mandibular third molars.
- To investigate the pathologies associated with unerupted mandibular third molars.
- To correlate tooth eruption status and axial inclination with symptoms and pathoses.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study analyzing clinical records and periapical radiographs.
- Evaluation of completely and partially unerupted mandibular third molars.
- Statistical analysis (chi-square) to determine differences in symptoms and pathoses based on eruption status and axial inclination.
Main Results:
- Most affected patients were between 16 and 30 years old.
- Partially erupted molars (83%) showed more symptoms than completely unerupted ones (17%).
- Pain was the most frequent symptom; pericoronitis was linked to vertical/distal inclinations, and caries to mesial inclinations (P < .05).
Conclusions:
- Partially erupted mandibular third molars are more symptomatic than completely unerupted ones.
- Pain and pericoronitis are the most common clinical problems.
- Axial inclination influences the type of associated pathosis, such as pericoronitis or caries.