Prevalence of impacted premolars in a Turkish population and considerations for surgical treatment

The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence, associated pathology and symptoms, and treatment of impacted premolars in a Turkish population.

This retrospective study examined panoramic radiographs and clinical records of 9,000 patients who presented consecutively at our oral and maxillofacial surgery clinics between January 1998 and January 2009. In addition to demographic data (patient sex and age), data was compiled on the number and location of impacted missing maxillary and mandibular premolars, retained deciduous molars, associated pathologies and symptoms, and treatment methods.

A total of 105 impacted maxillary or mandibular premolars were observed in 93 patients (1.03%). Of these, 48 (51.6%) were female (age range: 13-57 years) and 45 (43.4%) were male (age range: 13-58 years). Impacted mandibular second premolars accounted for 55.2% (n=58) of all impacted premolars. Migration was observed in only 11.83% of patients (n=11). Pathological changes and symptoms were noted in 15.05% of patients.

Our results suggest that the prophylactic extraction of non-migrated impacted premolars may not be necessary. If the patient is cooperative, a "wait and see " approach may be preferable. Orthodontic or prosthetic treatment options should also be considered when planning treatment of non-migrated impacted premolars. Migrated impacted premolars should be kept under observation and should only be removed if they are associated with pathology or if extraction is required for prosthetic or orthodontic treatment.