Prevalence and pattern of third molars impaction: A retrospective radiographic study

Third molar impaction is considered a prevalent issue. The research aimed to study the pervasiveness and pattern of impaction in Karbala/Iraqi population. Orthopantomograms were studied regarding its angulation, impaction depth, and correlation with ramus. The outcomes manifested that the prevalence of 3^rd impacted molars was 34.71%, with the proportion of male to female as 0.83:1. Impacted mandibular 3^rd molars were significantly encountered. The prevalence of vertical angulation, mesioangular, horizontal, and inverted were significantly associated with the impacted mandibular 3^rd molars (P < 0.05). However, the prevalence of distoangular and bucco/lingual was significantly associated (P < 0.05) with the upper impacted 3^rd molars. Level C of impaction was significantly (P < 0.05) the most typical level in the maxilla impacted the 3^rd molar, and level A and level B of impaction were significantly (P < 0.05) the most prevalent level correlated with the mandibular 3^rd molar impaction. Class II was significantly (P < 0.05) the frequently occurring condition subsequent to Classes III and I. In conclusion, the impaction of 3^rd molars was significantly predominant in females and lower jaw. The vertical angulation, level C of impaction associated with maxillary 3^rd molars and levels A and B of impaction related with mandibular 3^rd molars, and Class II are the most encountered conditions.