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Third molar impaction in different facial types and mandibular length: A cross-sectional study
K Moinuddin Hasan1, C R Sobhana1, Saurabh Kumar Rawat2
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Government Dental College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.
National Journal of Maxillofacial Surgery
|June 30, 2021
Summary
This study found no significant link between facial types and impacted mandibular third molars. However, shorter mandibular length was significantly associated with a higher incidence of third molar impaction.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Orthodontics
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Background:
- Mandibular third molar impaction is often attributed to insufficient space.
- This study investigates the relationship between facial morphology and mandibular length with third molar impaction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if facial types are associated with mandibular third molar impaction.
- To assess the correlation between mandibular length and the occurrence of impacted mandibular third molars.
Main Methods:
- 170 patients were analyzed for facial type (using facial index) and mandibular length (via lateral cephalograms).
- Impaction status was confirmed using clinical examination and orthopantomography.
- Facial types were classified into broad, normal, and long facial patterns.
Main Results:
- Facial type distribution: hypereuryprosopic (18.8%), euryprosopic (33.5%), mesoprosopic (24.7%), leptoprosopic (21.8%), hyperleptoprosopic (1.2%).
- Impaction rates varied across facial types, with leptoprosopic and hyperleptoprosopic profiles showing higher impaction (60.3%).
- A significant association was found between shorter mandibular length and third molar impaction (66% of short mandible cases).
Conclusions:
- No significant association was established between various facial types and mandibular third molar impaction.
- A significant correlation exists between reduced mandibular length and the incidence of impacted mandibular third molars.
