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Evaluation of impacted mandibular third molars by panoramic radiography
Siddharth Gupta1, Rahul R Bhowate, Nitin Nigam
1Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Career Institute of Dental Science and Hospital, Sitapur-Hardoi Bypass, Dubagga, Lucknow, India.
ISRN Dentistry
|October 13, 2011
Summary
This study found panoramic radiographs reliable for evaluating impacted mandibular third molars (IM3M). Radiographs assessed angulation, eruption, space, and inferior alveolar canal proximity in 988 IM3M.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Oral Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Impacted mandibular third molars (IM3M) are common dental issues.
- Accurate evaluation is crucial for treatment planning and complication avoidance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess angulation, eruption level, third molar space, and inferior alveolar canal (IAC) root proximity of IM3M.
- To determine the reliability of panoramic radiography for IM3M evaluation.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of 988 impacted mandibular third molars (IM3M) in 578 individuals aged 18+.
- Data collected from panoramic radiographs, categorized by symptomatic, asymptomatic, and radiographic-only groups.
- Statistical analysis using the chi-squared (χ²) test for inter-group and intra-group significance.
Main Results:
- 39.93% of IM3M were vertically placed, and 61.84% were at eruption level A.
- Class II was the most frequent third molar space (79.65%).
- Notching (12.55%) indicated true IAC-root proximity, while superposition (41.80%) was common for false proximity.
Conclusions:
- Panoramic radiographs are a reliable diagnostic tool for evaluating impacted mandibular third molars.
- Significant inter-group differences were observed across all evaluated criteria.