Radiographic analysis of third molar impaction pattern

ABSTRACT Objective The objective of this study was to analyze the angulation, depth relative to the occlusal plane, and available space of third molars, as well as their distribution by sex, using panoramic radiographs. Methods This descriptive epidemiological study was based on digital panoramic radiographs of male and female individuals over 18 years of age, obtained between 2017 and 2020. A calibrated examiner evaluated the impacted third molars, classifying them according to Winter’s and Pell & Gregory’s classification systems. Data were analyzed using STATA statistical software. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of UESB (CEP-UESB). Results Of the 2,621 radiographs assessed, 657 met the inclusion criteria, totaling 1,208 maxillary and 1,196 mandibular third molars. In the maxilla, vertical angulation was the most prevalent, followed by distoangular, mesioangular, and horizontal positions. In the mandible, vertical angulation also predominated, followed by mesioangular, horizontal, and distoangular. Regarding impaction depth, Level A was the most frequent in both arches, followed by Levels C and B in the maxilla, and Levels B and C in the mandible. Conclusion As for available space, Class II was the most common in the mandible, followed by Classes I and III. Vertical angulation and Level A depth were the most prevalent in the maxilla. In the mandible, vertical angulation, Level A depth, and Class II space were the most frequent. Third molar impactions were more commonly observed in females.