Radiographic Assessment of Impacted Mandibular Third Molars Undergoing Surgical Extraction: A Retrospective Study Using Orthopantomogram

Abstract

Background: Mandibular third molars are the most commonly impacted teeth in the oral cavity, with a prevalence ranging from 9.5% to 68% across different populations.  The study focuses on the analysis of impacted mandibular third molars using orthopantomogram (OPG) imaging. Aims: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and pattern of impacted mandibular third molars in the population of Burdwan, West Bengal, India. Material and Methods: A retrospective analysis of OPG records was conducted with appropriate permissions. This retrospective study was carried out in Burdwan, West Bengal, analyzing OPG records of 357patients. The collected data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 23. Pearson’s Chi-Square Test was applied to determine the association between qualitative and quantitative variables.  Results: Among the 357 cases analyzed, 214 were male and 143 were female patients, with ages ranging from 15 to 60 years and a mean age of 28.62 years. The prevalence of impacted third molars was slightly higher in males (59.94%) compared to females (40.06%). Mesioangular impaction (33.05%) was the most common type, followed by vertical impaction (32.49%). The majority of cases exhibited Level B impaction depth and Class I ramus relation.  Discussions and Conclusion: The study concluded that mesioangular impaction is the most prevalent type of impaction, followed closely by vertical impaction. A slight male predilection was observed. Further research with a larger sample size is recommended to better understand the necessity of prophylactic removal of impacted third molars.