Muhammad Asif Shahzad, Momin Ayub Marath, Fique Chatha M Rafique, Aqib Sohail.
Evaluation of patterns of mandibular third molar impactions and associated pathologies.
Pak Oral Dental J Jan ;36(2):192-6.

Mandibular third molar is the most common tooth to become impacted. Mandibular third molars may acquire a range of patterns and positions and may lead to a diverse group of pathologies. The objective of this study was to enlist the different patterns of mandibular third molar impactions and their associated pathologies. This descriptive study was carried out at Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit of Lahore Medical & Dental College, Lahore from February 2014 to September 2015. A total of 271 patients with 382 impacted mandibular third molars were included in the current study. Their ages were between 20 to 53 years (Mean±SD, 27.81±7.37). 114 (42.07%) were male and 157 (57.93%) females with male to female ratio of 1:1.38. Patients were evaluated with thorough history, clinical and radiographic examination. Periapical and panoramic radiographs were used to assess the pattern of mandibular third molar impactions and their associated pathologies. Mesioangular angulation (45.55%) with class II ramus relation (60.73%) and Position A (54.71%) depth was the most frequent pattern of impaction. A total of 324 pathologies were seen in 271 patients who presented for removal of impacted mandibular third molars. The most common pathology associated with the impacted mandibular third molar was dental caries of third molar (38.89%), followed by pericoronitis (29.01%, periodontal disease (14.19%) and a low frequency of cysts and tumors (3.39%). Prophylactic removal of impacted mandibular third molar with unfavorable patterns and positions may be beneficial for the patients to prevent the patients from associated pathologies.

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