Patterns and presentations of impacted mandibular third molars subjected to removal at Khyber college of dentistry Peshawar

ABSTRACT

Two hundred consecutive patients of mandibular third molar impactions presented to the oral surgery department of Khyber College of dentistry Peshawar were studied clinically and radiographically. Purpose of the study was to determine the patterns and presentations of mandibular third molar impactions. The impacted mandibular third molars were classified according to Pell and Gregory's method of classification as well as according to their angulations. Pathologies related to each type were also documented. The most common angulation of impacted mandibular third molar was mesioangular [48%] followed by vertical [35%] and distoangular [10%]. Pell and Gregory Class II [55%] and Class I [38%] were the most common types of impacted mandibular third molars. By analyzing level of eruption, it was found that Pell and Gregory Class B [59%] and Class A [35%] were the most common types of impactions. Pericoronitis was the most common pathology [48.5%] followed by caries [26.5%] and periodontal problems [10%]. Lack of awareness and mismanagement of impacted mandibular third molar often lead to recurrent infections and irreversible damage to their adjacent structures. As a result of this study previous recommendation for the prophylactic removal of those impactions, which are at higher risk of developing pathologies is suggested; otherwise a regular clinical and radiographical follow-up is necessary