Radiographic follow-up of impacted third molars from age 20 to 32 years

Nineteen patients (13 male, six female) with 34 impacted third molars, 21 in the mandible and 13 in the maxilla were radiographically followed from age 20 to 32. All were examined clinically and panoramic radiographs were taken at baseline and at the end of the study. Radiographic analysis included resorption of teeth, enlargement of the follicle, development of the root, change in inclination of the third molar, state of impaction, relative depth of the third molar in bone and relation to the ramus of the mandible and to the second molar tooth. In the mandible, the mean change in inclination was 19 degrees and the percentage of teeth with changed angulation was 76%. In the maxilla, only 23% of the teeth changed their inclination. The state of impaction (soft tissue, partially in bone, completely in bone) had changed for 44% of the teeth. According to the questionnaire, no pain or symptoms in the region of the third molars were reported by 74% of the students during the 12-year period. It is concluded that considerable radiographic changes, without notable symptoms, may occur involving inclination of the tooth and state of impaction in impacted third molars after the usual age of eruption.