Evaluation of pattern of impacted third molar in known population

Abstract

Background: The third molar located in the mandible is the tooth that commonly becomes impacted. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the manner in which the third molar becomes impacted in a specific population. Materials & Methods: A total of 50 panoramic X-rays were included in the study. The assessment involved evaluating both the depth of impaction and the relative positioning of impacted mandibular third molars concerning the mandibular ramus. The data collected was subjected to analysis using the Chi-square test, and the resulting outcomes were processed employing SPSS software. Results: The distribution of impaction levels among mandibular 3^rd molars was investigated individually for both the right and left sides. For both sides, Level C emerged as the predominant depth of impaction, accounting for 42.8% on the right side and 40% on the left side. Conclusion: The most common patterns of impaction were characterized by level C impaction and Class I impaction.

Keywords: impaction, third molar, pattern.