Third molar eruption in dental panoramic radiographs as a feature for forensic age assessment - new reference data from a German population.

Forensic age assessment in the living can provide legal certainty when an individual's chronological age is unknown or when age-related information is questionable. An established method involves assessing the eruption of mandibular third molars through dental panoramic radiographs (PAN). In age assessment procedures, the respective findings are compared to reference data. The objective of this study was to generate new reference data in line with the required standards for mandibular third molar eruption within a German population. For this purpose, 605 PANs from 302 females and 303 males aged 15.04 to 25.99 years were examined. The PANs were acquired between 2013 and 2020, and the development of the mandibular third molars was rated independently by two experienced examiners using the Olze et al. staging scale from 2012. In case of disagreement in the assigned ratings, a consensus was reached through arbitration. While the mean, median and minimum ages were observed to increase with each stage of mandibular third molar eruption according to the Olze method, there was considerable overlap in the distribution of age between the stages. The minimum age for stage D, which corresponds to complete tooth eruption, was 16.1 years for females and 17.1 years for males. Thus, the completion of mandibular third molar eruption was found in both sexes before reaching the age of 18. In all individuals who had at least one tooth with completed eruption and who were younger than 17.4 years of age (n = 10), mineralization of the teeth in question was not complete. Based on our findings, the feature of assessing mandibular third molar eruption in PAN cannot be relied upon for determining age of majority.

Risk factors associated with the severity of pericoronitis of mandibular third molar.

PURPOSE: The factors related to pericoronitis severity are unclear, and this study aimed to address this knowledge gap. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 113 patients with pericoronitis were included, and their demographic, clinical, and radiographic characteristics were recorded. The Patient-Clinician Pericoronitis Classification was used to score and categorize the severity of pericoronitis. Statistical analysis was conducted to examine the participants' characteristics, validity of the Patient-Clinician Pericoronitis Classification, and risk factors associated with the severity of pericoronitis. RESULTS: The demographic, clinical, and radiographic characteristics of males and females were similar, except for Winter's classification, pain, and intraoral swelling. The constructive validity of the Patient-Clinician Pericoronitis Classification was confirmed with three latent factors, including infection level, patient discomfort, and social interference. Ordinal logistic multivariate regression analysis revealed that upper respiratory tract infection was the sole risk factor associated with pericoronitis severity in males (odds ratio = 4.838). In females, pericoronitis on the right side (odds ratio = 2.486), distal radiolucency (odds ratio = 5.203), and menstruation (odds ratio = 3.416) were significant risk factors. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the constructive validity of the Patient-Clinician Pericoronitis Classification. Among females, pericoronitis in mandibular third molars on the right side with radiolucency in menstruating individuals was more severe. In males, upper respiratory tract infection was the sole risk factor associated with pericoronitis severity. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Individuals with risk factors should be aware of severe pericoronitis in the coming future.

Evaluation of the effects of pregabalin and dexamethasone coadministration on preemptive multimodal analgesia and anxiety in third molar surgeries: a triple-blind randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of pregabalin and dexamethasone coadministration in preemptive analgesia and anxiety control in lower third molar surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A triple-blind, split-mouth clinical trial conducted with patients divided into two groups: control group, receiving placebo and dexamethasone, and test group, receiving pregabalin and dexamethasone preoperatively. The evaluated variables were pain, measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), anxiety assessed through the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaires, hemodynamic parameters [Blood Pressure (BP), Heart Rate (HR), Oxygen Saturation (SpO2)], and sedation assessed by the Ramsay scale. RESULTS: A total of 31 patients were included. The test group exhibited a significant reduction in pain at 2,4,6,8,12,16,24, and 48 h after surgery and in the consumption of rescue analgesics. Anxiety, evaluated by STAI and VAS, showed a significant decrease in the test group (p < 0.001). Additionally, there was a significant decrease in BP at most of the assessed time points (p < 0.05) and a significant reduction in HR at two different time intervals (p = 0.003 and p = 0.009), indicating a positive effect in the test group. There was no significant difference in SpO2 between the groups. Sedation assessment revealed a significant difference at all time points favoring the test group (p < 0.05). There were no significant postoperative adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: Pregabalin coadministered with dexamethasone demonstrated significant efficacy in controlling postoperative pain and anxiety, as well as a sedative effect. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The coadministration of pregabalin with dexamethasone may presents potential advantages in both pain modulation and psychological well-being of individuals undergoing third molar surgeries. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (REBEC), No. RBR-378h6t6.

Application of concentrated growth factor in mandibular third molar extraction: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: We will perform the systematic review to evaluate the effect of applying concentrated growth factor (CGF) on relieving postoperative complications and promoting wound healing following mandibular third molar extraction. METHODS: The PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, China Biology Medicine Disc (CBM), and VIP Databases will be comprehensively searched up to May 31, 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the application of CGF after mandibular third molar extraction will be included. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO, and the registration ID was CRD42023463234. Two reviewers will conduct the literature search, eligible study selection, data extraction, and bias risk assessment (using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool). Data analysis will be performed with RevMan software (version 5.4). RESULTS: The results of this study will be available in a peer-reviewed journal. CONCLUSION: Our study will provide scientific evidence regarding the efficacy of applying CGF in mandibular third molar extraction.

Full life cycle changes of low impacted mandibular third molar associated cystic lesions and adjacent tooth root resorption: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Low impacted third molars are usually asymptomatic and are often found by X-ray examination. The removal of asymptomatic low impacted third molars is one of the most controversial clinical issues in oral and maxillofacial surgery. METHODS: In this study, 806 patients with low impacted mandibular third molars (LIMTMs) (full bony impaction) were analyzed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for cystic lesions and adjacent tooth root resorption throughout the patients' entire life cycle. RESULTS: The results showed that the prevalence of adjacent tooth root resorption and cystic lesions was age-related, exhibiting a trend of first increasing and then decreasing; prevalence peaked at the age of 41 to 45 years old, the prevalence rates were 12.50% and 11.11% respectively. And the lowest prevalence rate was 2.86% and 2.44% in ≥ 61 group and 56- to 60-year age group respectively. Age was an independent risk factor for adjacent tooth root resorption of LIMTMs, whereas age and impaction type (especially inverted impaction) were independent risk factors for cystic lesions. CONCLUSIONS: The full life cycle management strategy for LIMTMs may need to be individualized. Surgical removal is recommended for LIMTMs in patients younger than 41 to 45 years, especially for inverted, mesioangular, and horizontally impacted LIMTMs. LIMTMs in patients older than 41 to 45 years may be treated conservatively with regular follow-up, but surgical removal of inverted impacted LIMTMs is still recommended to avoid cyst formation.

Histological and immunohistochemical characteristic of the gingival stroma in the portion of the third molars in children of various age.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To evaluate the state of the gingival stromal elements in the portion of the third molars requiring extraction of these teeth due to orthodontic indications considering the stage of tooth germ formation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: The surgery to extract third molars due to orthodontic indications was performed on 95 children aged 11 to 18 years. The three groups of observation were isolated according to clinical-radiological signs: І (n=30) - children aged 11-13 years; ІІ (n=35) - children aged 13-16 years, and ІІІ (n=30) - children aged 16-18 years. During surgery, the samples of gums were taken from the adjacent areas for examination. The samples were fixed, dehydrated, paraffinized for further histological processing. Immunohistochemical methods were used according to the protocols supplied by a producer. In particular, by means of immunohistochemical method, Ki-67, CD-34 antigens and vimentin with primary antibodies against them were determined. The primary antibodies were visualized by the polymeric visualization system with diaminobenzidine giving a brown color to the places of location of the antigens examined. The data obtained were statistically processed. RESULTS: Results: The results of the study showed that specific gravity of the vascular bed in the gingival papillary layer of children was the most variable. It ranges from (12,7±0,09) % at the stage of "D" root formation to (54,8±0,17) % at the "H" stage. Lower concentrations of CD-34 antigens and vimentin are found in the endotheliocytes of children aged 13-16 and 16-18 years, compared to the children aged 11-13 years (p<0,05). No changes were found in the specific volume of the blood vessels, CD-34 antigens and vimentin in the reticular gingival layer of children from the groups of observation. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Therefore, the conducted histological and immunohistochemical study of the connective gingival tissues in the portion of the third molars in children enables to draw a conclusion that in the process of formation of the root of this tooth a number of changes occur in the gingival stroma. They include an increase of the blood flow volume in the papillary gingival layer on the background of a decreased concentration of CD-34 genes and vimentin, a longer stage of development of the third molar root. The specific volume of the islets of neoangiogenesis of the papillary gingival layer is the largest in children aged 13-16 years.

The influence of electrical high-speed rotation on mandibular third molar surgeries: a prospective, randomized, split-mouth clinical and radiographic study.

The aim of this split-mouth randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the clinical outcomes (operative time, edema, trismus, and pain), the immediate histological effects, the alveolar repair (2 and 4 months), and the quality of life after the extraction of impacted third molars using high-speed pneumatic and electrical rotation. Sixteen patients underwent extraction of the two mandibular third molars with a minimum interval of 15 days. On one side of the participant's mouth, high-speed pneumatic rotation was used (Control Group-CG) while for the other side, high-speed electrical rotation was used (Study Group-SG). Statistical analysis included ANOVA repeated measures and Pearson correlations. SG group showed: shorter operative time (p = 0.019), less pain (p = 0.034), swelling (p < 0.001) and trismus (p = 0.025) on the 1st postoperative day; less pain (p = 0.034) and trismus (p = 0.010) on the 3rd postoperative day; less trismus (p = 0.032) on the 7th postoperative day; and better quality of life (p = 0.007). No differences were observed for peripheral bone damage or bone density of alveolar repair at 2 and 4 months between groups. Electric high-speed rotation provided better postoperative clinical parameters of pain, edema and trismus when compared with pneumatic high-speed rotation for mandibular third molar surgery.Trial registration: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials registration number RBR-4xyqhqm ( https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-4xyqhqm ).

Assessing current clinical eruption stage of mandibular third molars by dental panoramic radiography.

OBJECTIVE: We examined whether dental panoramic radiography (PAN) can be used to identify the clinical stage of eruption of mandibular third molars at the time of radiological examination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional data included records from clinical oral examination and PANs of university students. In the retrospective analysis of 345 mandibular third molars in 189 participants (20% men, 80% women; mean age 20.7 years; standard deviation [SD] ± 0.6), clinical stages of eruption were compared with their radiographic depth in bone, inclination, and root development. Statistics included χ2, Mann-Whitney U tests, and logistic regression. RESULTS: Significant (p < 0.001) predictor variables for assessing the clinical stage of eruption were radiographic depth in bone and inclination. All teeth radiologically at a depth of the cementoenamel (CE) junction of the neighbouring second molar or deeper were clinically unerupted. Above the CE junction, 80% of vertical and 97% of distoangular teeth were connected to the oral cavity, and 82% of mesioangular and 69% of horizontal teeth were clinically unerupted. CONCLUSION: All teeth below or at the CE junction are clinically unerupted. Above the CE junction, stage of eruption should be assessed together with the inclination, but horizontally inclined teeth are recommended to be verified clinically.

Prevalence and patterns of third molar impaction among Ethiopians in Addis Ababa: a retrospective pilot study.

Tooth impaction is a condition in which a tooth does not reach its normal position and is often observed in the third mandibular molar due to inadequate space. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and configuration of the impacted third molars with an emphasis on angular orientations in a sample of the Ethiopian population. This cross-sectional study included a retrospective analysis of 291 patient records and orthopantomography data from the archives of a private dental clinic in Addis Ababa, during the study period from December 2020 to November 2022. Demographic details and data on the position and level of the impacted third molars were evaluated using the Winter classification. Data were analyzed for frequency distribution. The prevalence of impacted third molars was 22% (n = 64), with a greater incidence on the right side (60.9%) and a higher frequency in the mandible (67.2%). Vertical angulation (32.8%), followed by mesioangular angulation (31.2%), was the most common impaction pattern. The results highlight the need for improved treatment protocols for third molar impaction, emphasizing the prevalence in the mandible and the importance of addressing vertical impaction. Regular dental check-ups are essential for assessing third molar impaction and planning appropriate management. These data can inform policymaking and treatment considerations for impacted third molars in the Ethiopian population.

Endoscopically-assisted extraction of broken roots or fragments within the mandibular canal: a retrospective case series study.

PURPOSE: To assess the impact of endoscope-assisted fractured roots or fragments extraction within the mandibular canal, along with quantitative sensory testing (QST) alterations in the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN). METHODS: Six patients with lower lip numbness following mandibular third molar extraction were selected. All patients had broken roots or fragments within the mandibular canal that were extracted under real-time endoscopic assistance. Follow-up assessments were conducted on postoperative days 1, 7, and 35, including a standardized QST of the lower lip skin. RESULTS: The average surgical duration was 32.5 min, with the IAN exposed in all cases. Two of the patient exhibited complete recovery of lower lip numbness, three experienced symptom improvement, and one patient remained unaffected 35 days after the surgery. Preoperative QST results showed that the mechanical detection and pain thresholds on the affected side were significantly higher than those on the healthy side, but improved significantly by postoperative day 7 in five patients, and returned to baseline in two patients on day 35. There were no significant differences in the remaining QST parameters. CONCLUSIONS: All endoscopic surgical procedures were successfully completed without any additional postoperative complications. There were no cases of deterioration of IAN injury, and lower lip numbness recovered in the majority of cases. Endoscopy allowed direct visualization and examination of the affected nerve, facilitating a comprehensive analysis of the IAN.

Predicting chronological age of 14 or 18 in adolescents: integrating dental assessments with machine learning.

AIM: Age estimation plays a critical role in personal identification, especially when determining compliance with the age of consent for adolescents. The age of consent refers to the minimum age at which an individual is legally considered capable of providing informed consent for sexual activities. The purpose of this study is to determine whether adolescents meet the age of 14 or 18 by using dental development combined with machine learning. METHODS: This study combines dental assessment and machine learning techniques to predict whether adolescents have reached the consent age of 14 or 18. Factors such as the staging of the third molar, the third molar index, and the visibility of the periodontal ligament of the second molar are evaluated. RESULTS: Differences in performance metrics indicate that the posterior probabilities achieved by machine learning exceed 93% for the age of 14 and slightly lower for the age of 18. CONCLUSION: This study provides valuable insights for forensic identification for adolescents in personal identification, emphasizing the potential to improve the accuracy of age determination within this population by combining traditional methods with machine learning. It underscores the importance of protecting and respecting the dignity of all individuals involved.

Is 3T MR nerve-bone fusion imaging a viable alternative to MRI-CBCT to identify the relationship between the inferior alveolar nerve and mandibular third molar.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the feasibility of MRI nerve-bone fusion imaging in assessing the relationship between inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) / mandibular canal (MC) and mandibular third molar (MTM) compared with MRI-CBCT fusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MRI nerve-bone fusion and MRI-CBCT fusion imaging were performed in 20 subjects with 37 MTMs. The Hausdorff distance (HD) value and dice similarity coefficient (DSC) was calculated. The relationship between IAN/MC and MTM roots, inflammatory, and fusion patterns were compared between these two fused images. The reliability was assessed using a weighted κ statistic. RESULTS: The mean HD and DSC ranged from 0.62 ~ 1.35 and 0.83 ~ 0.88 for MRI nerve-bone fusion, 0.98 ~ 1.50 and 0.76 ~ 0.83 for MRI-CBCT fusion. MR nerve-bone fusion had considerable reproducibility compared to MRI-CBCT fusion in relation classification (MR nerve-bone fusion κ = 0.694, MRI-CBCT fusion κ = 0.644), direct contact (MR nerve-bone fusion κ = 0.729, MRI-CBCT fusion κ = 0.720), and moderate to good agreement for inflammation detection (MR nerve-bone fusion κ = 0.603, MRI-CBCT fusion κ = 0.532, average). The MR nerve-bone fusion imaging showed a lower ratio of larger pattern compared to MR-CBCT fusion (16.2% VS 27.3% in the molar region, and 2.7% VS 5.4% in the retromolar region). And the average time spent on MR nerve-bone fusion and MRI-CBCT fusion was 1 min and 3 min, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Both MR nerve-bone fusion and MRI-CBCT fusion exhibited good consistency in evaluating the spatial relationship between IAN/MC and MTM, fusion effect, and inflammation detection. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: MR nerve-bone fusion imaging can be a preoperative one-stop radiation-free examination for patients at high risk for MTM surgery.

Use of platelet- and leukocyte-rich fibrin (L-PRF) as a healing agent in the postoperative period of third molar removal surgeries: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of L-PRF as a healing agent in the postoperative period of third molar extraction surgeries, as well as to investigate secondary effects, such as the reduction of pain, edema and other discomforts after the surgical intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The methodology adopted consisted of carrying out a systematic review of the literature, following the model outlined by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The inclusion criteria were previously established according to a systematic review protocol approved by the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under number CRD42023484679. In order to carry out a comprehensive search, a search in five databases was carried out, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Embase. RESULTS: The search resulted in the selection of randomized controlled trials that conformed to the established criteria. Two authors independently screened the records and extracted the data. The assessment of bias was conducted according to the guidelines recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration, using version 2 of the Cochrane tool for assessing the risk of bias in randomized trials (RoB 2). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that L-PRF stands out by providing direct benefits to healing, vascularization and tissue regeneration. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: L-PRF plays an important role in reducing postoperative pain, edema, the incidence of alveolar osteitis and infections after third molar removal surgery, compared to patients who did not undergo the use of L-PRF.

[Clinical observation of minimally invasive extraction of lower third molar by retaining the buccal bone plate].

PURPOSE: To explore the effect of extracting the completely impacted teeth by minimally invasive surgery with preserving the buccal bone plate. METHODS: Eighty-six cases were selected and randomly divided into 2 groups. In the experimental group, a fenestration was made with a ball drill to expose the buccal and lingual margin of crown, and the buccal bone plate was preserved. T-shaped crown cuttings were performed, minimally invasive extraction was conducted.In the control group, the distal and buccal bone plates were removed with a ball drill, the distal and buccal crowns were exposed, and T-shaped crown was cut. The other procedures were the same. The degree of swelling, restricted mouth opening and VAS pain score after operation were observed, the levels of C-reactive protein and anti-hemolytic streptoglobulin were detected by laboratory tests, and the periodontal probing depth(PD), bleeding index (BI), and clinical attachment loss(CAL) of the adjacent second molar were examined 1 month after surgery. SPSS 25.0 software package was used for data analysis. RESULTS: The swelling degree of the two groups was significantly relieved in the experimental group than in the control group (P＜0.05), and there was no significant difference in the degree of mouth opening limitation and pain (P＞0.05). The level of C-reactive protein in the control group was significantly higher than that in the observation group (P＜0.05). There was no significantly difference in the level of anti-hemolytic streptococcus between the 2 groups (P＞0.05). One month after operation, the PD and CAL in the control group were significantly higher than those in the experimental group(P＜0.05). There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in BI(P＞0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The patients who preserve the buccal bone plate by minimally invasive extraction of impacted mandibular teeth have less reaction and better wound healing.

[Evaluation of the effect of MTF-S on the removal of impacted mandibular wisdom teeth with complete or partial crown impaction].

PURPOSE: To evaluation the effect of modified triangular flap-secondary healing (MTF-S) on the treatment of mandibular impacted wisdom teeth with full or partial bone impaction. METHODS: A total of 207 patients with mandibular impacted wisdom teeth were selected in Shaoxing Stomatological Hospital from June 2022 to June 2023. Among them, 86 patients had completely impacted wisdom teeth (group A), and 121 patients had partially impacted wisdom teeth (group B). All patients had bilateral impacted wisdom teeth. One of the wisdom teeth was removed first and was sutured with triangular flap-primary healing (TF-P). The other wisdom tooth was removed two weeks later and was sutured with MTF-S. Patients in groups A and B were divided into two subgroups based on suture methods, with TF-P used for group A1 and B1, and MTF-S used for groups A2 and B2. Perioperative indicators, including surgical time, root loss rate, and completeness of extraction sockets were recorded; Postoperative complications of four groups, including pain, swelling, and limited mouth opening were compared. SPSS 22.0 software package was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The surgical time of group A1, A2, B1 and B2 was (17.69±3.28), (18.22±3.06), (12.37±3.72) and (12.64±4.13) minutes, respectively. The surgical time of group A1 and A2 was significantly longer than that of group B1 and B2 (P＜0.05). Seven days after surgery, the VAS scores of group A1, A2, B1 and B2 were (1.17±0.34), (0.93±0.29), (0.48±0.15) and (0.76±0.21), respectively. The VAS scores of group B1 and B2 were lower than those of group A1 and A2, and group A2 was lower than group A1 and B2 was higher than group B1 group(P＜0.05). On the 1st day, 3rd day, and 7th day after surgery, the swelling degree in group A1 was greater than that in group B1, and the swelling degree in group B1 was greater than that in group A2 and B2(P＜0.05); while the limitation of mouth opening mouth in group A2 and B2 was lower than that in group A1 and B1, and the limitation of opening mouth in group B2 was lower than that in group A2(P＜0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with partially impacted wisdom teeth, the extraction of completely impacted wisdom teeth has a longer surgical time. For completely impacted wisdom teeth, MTF-S is beneficial for reducing postoperative pain, swelling and mouth opening limitations. For partially impacted wisdom teeth, MTF-S is beneficial for reducing postoperative swelling and mouth opening limitations, but the effect is not significant in reducing patient pain.

Applicability of Cameriere's third molar maturity index on orthopantomograms and computed tomography scans from a French population.

Cameriere developed a method on orthopantomograms (OPG) to assess adult age of 18 years based on the relationship between age and the third molar maturity index I3M. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether Cameriere's method could be applied to computed-tomography scans (CT-scans) from a population of French juveniles and young adults and compare the results obtained from OPG of the same individuals. Our sample comprised 200 examinations that had been performed at the radiological department of a French University hospital between 2007 and 2020. Each patient had received an OPG and a cranial CT scan for medical purposes, and we used a similar adaptation of I3M based on OPG to determine the I3M based on CT scans. Due to exclusion criteria, our final sample comprised 71 OPGs and 63 CT scans. Based on the 71 OPGs, there was concordance between chronological age and estimated age, with a sensitivity of 78.57%, a specificity of 89.47%, and a misclassified rate of 18.03% based on tooth 38, and a sensitivity of 78.79%, a specificity of 91.67%, and a misclassified rate of 17.78% based on tooth 48. Our results based on CT scans presented concordance between chronological age and estimated age for tooth 38 described by a sensitivity of 77.78%, a specificity of 94.12%, and a misclassified rate of 16.98%. The concordance between chronological age and estimated age based on 48 had a sensitivity of 75.00%, a specificity of 93.75%, and a misclassified rate of 19.23%. The > 90% ICC indicate an excellent similarity between measurements of teeth 38 and 48 based on OPGs and CT scans. This study has revealed the applicability of the Cameriere's method to calculate the I3M based on CT scans from a French population. The results based on CT scans are similar to results based on OPGs from the same individuals.

Investigation of the relationship between the mandibular third molar teeth and the inferior alveolar nerve using posteroanterior radiographs: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The most severe complication that can occur after mandibular third molar (MM3) surgery is inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) damage. It is crucial to have a comprehensive radiographic evaluation to reduce the possibility of nerve damage. The objective of this study is to assess the diagnostic accuracy of panoramic radiographs (PR) and posteroanterior (PA) radiographs in identifying the association between impacted MM3 roots and IAN. METHODS: This study included individuals who had PR, PA radiographs, and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and who had at least one impacted MM3. A total of 141 impacted MM3s were evaluated on CBCT images, and the findings were considered gold standard. The relationship between impacted MM3 roots and IAN was also evaluated on PR and PA radiographies. The data was analyzed using the McNemar and Chi-squared tests. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and diagnostic accuracy of PR and PA radiographies were determined. RESULTS: Considering CBCT the gold standard, the relationship between MM3 roots and IAN was found to be statistically significant between PR and CBCT (p = 0.00). However, there was no statistically significant relationship between PA radiography and CBCT (0.227). The study revealed that the most prevalent limitation of the PR in assessing the relationship between MM3 roots and IAN was the identification of false-positive relationship. CONCLUSIONS: PA radiography may be a good alternative in developing countries to find out if there is a contact between MM3 roots and IAN because it is easier to get to, cheaper, and uses less radiation.

Evaluation of the effect of extraction in comparison to distalization on the maxillary third molars in class II malocclusion: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of first premolar extraction versus distalization on the vertical position and mesiodistal angulation of maxillary third molars (MxM3) in adolescent class II patients. METHODS: The panoramic x-rays (OPGs) of 200 adolescent class II patients with developing MxM3s were screened. The chosen sample consisted of 2 groups: Group 1 (Distalization) comprising 48 MxM3s, and Group 2 (Extraction) comprising 50 MxM3s. The pre- and post-treatment OPGs were traced to detect the mesiodistal angulation changes of the second molars (MxM2) and MxM3s. RESULTS: The angulation and vertical position of the MxM3s at T0 & T1 were also evaluated using Archer's classification. The distalization group presented a non-significant decrease in the mean angulation of MxM2 and MxM3 (-2.4o & -4.5o uprighting respectively). In the extraction group, both MxM2 and MxM3 presented a highly significant decrease in the mean angulation (-10.5o & -11o uprighting respectively). The angulation and vertical position change of MxM3 significantly improved in the extraction group when compared to the distalization group (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Significant uprighting and occlusal positioning of the maxillary third molars occurred in the premolar extraction treatment group when compared to the distalization treatment group. The results of the current study highlight the importance of recognizing maxillary third molars during orthodontic treatment planning of Class II malocclusion cases.