Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2026
05:49
Reliability of Artificial Intelligence-Based Cone Beam Computed Tomography Integration with Digital Dental Images
Published on: February 23, 2024
Impacted third molars and their influence on second molar pathologies: radiological patterns, statistical analysis,
Ruxandra-Elena Luca1,2, Mona-Alexandra Cica3, Ioana-Roxana Munteanu1,2
1University Clinic of Oral Rehabilitation and Dental Emergencies, Faculty of Dentistry, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania.
Frontiers in Dental Medicine
|June 8, 2026
Summary
Impacted mandibular third molars (wisdom teeth) frequently cause pathologies in adjacent second molars, with distal caries being most common. Deeper impactions strongly correlate with these M2 diseases, guiding clinical management.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Oral surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Impacted mandibular third molars (M3) are associated with pathologies in adjacent second molars (M2), including periodontal disease, infections, and caries.
- Understanding the influence of M3 impaction position on M2 pathologies is crucial for preventative care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate how the position of impacted mandibular third molars influences pathologies in adjacent second molars.
- To explore the potential of AI-assisted radiographic analysis in diagnosing these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 134 orthopantomograms of impacted or semi-impacted M3s.
- Assessment of disease prevalence in both M2 and M3.
- Experimental application of AI-based image processing tools for diagnostic evaluation.
Main Results:
- Distal caries of M2 (59.7%) was the most prevalent pathology, followed by periodontal bone loss (32.1%) and external root resorption (11.9%).
- Coronal caries of M3 occurred in 47.0% of cases.
- Mesioangular and deeper impactions showed the strongest association with M2 disease.
Conclusions:
- Impaction type and depth, especially mesioangular and deeper impactions, significantly determine M2 distal caries and periodontal involvement.
- M2 distal caries is highly prevalent and increases the likelihood of M3 caries, emphasizing the need for risk assessment.
- AI tools show promise in enhancing radiographic interpretation and clinical decision-making for impacted M3 management, despite current diagnostic limitations.
