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Updated: May 15, 2026
07:26
Systematic Assessment of Mammalian Skull Specimens for Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology
Published on: August 22, 2022
Pathology associated with the third molar
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dental Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA. jc294@buffalo.edu
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinics of North America
|January 1, 2013
Summary
Pathology is common around retained third molars, impacting oral surgery. This review clarifies known and unknown risks of these impacted teeth, aiding surgical assessment.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Dental Pathology
- Radiology
Background:
- Retained third molars frequently present with pathology.
- Oral surgeons commonly encounter infections and lytic lesions.
- Previous studies lacked robust designs for assessing abnormality frequency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing knowledge on pathologies linked to retained third molars.
- To identify gaps in the understanding of third molar-associated abnormalities.
- To inform oral and maxillofacial surgeons on this critical topic.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on retained third molar pathology.
- Analysis of data on symptomatic and asymptomatic third molars.
- Synthesis of current evidence regarding associated lesions.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of various pathologies around impacted third molars is documented.
- Infections and lytic lesions are frequently observed.
- Significant knowledge gaps persist regarding the frequency of specific abnormalities.
Conclusions:
- Pathologic conditions are prevalent with retained third molars.
- Further well-designed studies are needed to fully understand associated risks.
- This review highlights areas requiring more research for improved surgical practice.
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