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Introduction: Factors like mismatches between tooth and jaw sizes, the width of the
ramus, and alignment of lower back teeth are thought to play significant
roles inmandibular third molar impaction (M3M ).
Aim
of the
study was to evaluate the radiographic differences in angular and linear
measurements between various types of impacted and erupted M3Ms.
Material and Methods:
Orthopantomographs and Lateral cephalograms of 300 patients aged 18–30
were included and linear measurements such as ramus height, mesiodistal
width of mandibular first molar and M3M, retromolar space, the ratio of
retromolar space to mesiodistal width of M3M, type of impaction were
assessed on panoramic radiographs. Angular measurements, such as gonial
angle, were assessed on Lateral cephalograms.
Results:
The study's mean values revealed statistically significant differences
between impacted and non-impacted groups in terms of the above-mentioned
radiographic parameters and were also significant across genders.
Significant differences were found between retromolar space, mandibular
first molar width, and retromolar space to M3M mesiodistal width ratio
across all three levels of Pell and Gregory classification, as well as
significant differences in M3M width across all four types of Winter’s
classification.
Conclusion:
The study identifies key anatomical factors such as retromolar space to
M3M mesiodistal width ratio followed by retromolar space, ramus height
and gonial angle to significantly influence the risk of M3M impaction.
These findings enhance the ability of dental professionals to predict
impaction and improve patient outcomes.
Key words:
third molar impaction,
ramus height, retromolar space, gonial angle, mesiodistal width,
mandibular third molar, first molar
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