Skeletal tracing of impacted and erupted mandibular third molar areas using panoramic radiographs

Hesham Khalil

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh Saudi Arabia.

Corresponding Author E-mail : hkhalil@ksu.edu.sa

ABSTRACT: The aim of the study is to determine whether there are statistically significant differences in gonial angles, ramus body relation, and mesiodistal crown width at the areas of impacted and erupted mandibular third molars. Materials and Methods The study sample consisted of 432 panoramic radiographs selected from the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Each radiograph had a full complement of mandibular teeth with unilateral impacted lower third molar. Panoramic radiographs were taken and analyzed to compare the difference between erupted and impacted third molar areas. Results The results showed that there is statistically significant change in ramus body relations between the areas of impacted and erupted mandibular third molars, while there is no statistically significant change in gonial angles and mesiodistal crown width. Conclusion Sites with impacted mandibular third molars area exhibit shorter mandibular lengths than sites with erupted mandibular third molars. There is no statistically significant difference of gonial angles and mesiodistal widths between impaction and non impaction areas.

KEYWORDS:

Panoramic; third molar; impaction

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