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Is Surgical Removal of Asymptomatic Third Molars in the Horizontal III-C Position Advisable? A Pilot Study of
João Paulo da Silva Guilherme1, Marcelo Santos Bahia1, Yuri de Lima Medeiros2
1Department of Basic and Oral Biology, Ribeirão Preto School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SPBrazil.
Objectives:
This cross-sectional study aimed to measure the distance between the buccal and lingual cortical bones and its relation with the mandibular canal roof of third molars classified as III-C position according to Winter, Pell and Gregory classifications in cone-beam computed tomography.
Material And Methods:
A total of 140 lower third molars were classified according to Winter, Pell and Gregory. The distance between the buccal external cortex and the lingual external cortex was measured at 25%, 50% and 75% of the distance to the roof of the mandibular canal in parasagittal sections of teeth classified in horizontal III-C position. The presence or absence of lesions associated with the elements in this position was observed. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed and the intra-examiner agreement was calculated using the Bland-Altman and t-test methods (0.88 and 0.91, respectively). The significance level used was 5% (P ≤ 0.05).
Results:
Seventy patients (29.4 [SD 8.8] years, 54% women and 46% men) were included. Fourteen (10%) third molars were classified in horizontal III-C position. The average measurements taken were 1.78, 1.1 and 1.53 mm for the distances between the buccal external cortex and lingual external cortex, at 25%, 50% and 75% of the distance to the roof of the mandibular canal, respectively. No pathological conditions associated with the included elements were observed.
Conclusions:
Analysis of cone-beam computed tomography parasagittal sections of third molars classified in horizontal III-C position, revealed proximity of impacted teeth to the mandibular canal roof, mainly in the midline between the buccal and lingual external cortices.
