Relationship between the position of the impacted third molar and associated pathologies – A retrospective CBCT study

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate, through an imaging analysis, the correlation between the position of the impacted third molar and the incidence of associated pathologies. It also seeks to analyze the prevalence of these pathologies and their correlation with the sex and age of the patients. Methods: A total of 585 imaging exams of patients seen at a Portuguese institution of higher education in dentistry were evaluated, from which 235 impacted third molars were selected. The position and associated pathologies were analyzed individually in cone-beam computed tomography scans based on Winter’s, Pell & Gregory’s and Ericson et al.’s classification using Planmeca Romexis software. The data were statistically analyzed in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences program, using the chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Results: Statistically significant differences were found between the incidence of pathology and the position of the third molar. According to Winter's classification, external root resorption was associated with the mesioangular position (p=0.001) and decreased bone density with the distoangular position (p=0.051). Based on Pell & Gregory's classification, external root resorption is related to Position C (p<0.001), caries to Position B (p<0.001), and decreased bone density to Position B (p=0.013) and Class II (p=0.021). Age and sex influenced caries (p=0.006) and decreased bone density (p=0.065), respectively. Conclusions: This study concluded that there is a correlation between the position of impacted third molars and certain associated pathologies, which can be influenced by age and sex.