Evaluation of Third Molar Impaction Pattern in Orthodontic Patients with Different Skeletal Malocclusion, Southeast Iran

Introduction: This study investigated the third molar impaction pattern in orthodontic patients with different skeletal malocclusions. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study focused on lateral cephalometric images of orthodontic patients with confirmed third molars. Data was collected using a two-part checklist that included patient demographics, clinical examination results, and cephalometric findings. Analysis was performed with SPSS version 27 and the chi-square test at a significance level of 0.05. Results: Most third molars were found to be mesially impacted (P < 0.0001). Tooth impaction levels relative to the lower seventh tooth were classified as class C, with the most common relationship to the ramus being class I. Wisdom tooth impaction toward the ramus was significantly associated with the ANB angle on the left side, the WITS score, and vertical facial height on both sides, but not with the gonial angle. On the left side, a significant relationship existed between the wisdom tooth level and the WITS scale. Additionally, the impaction angle correlated significantly with the ANB angle on the right maxilla, the WITS scale on the left mandible, and vertical facial height on both the left mandible and right maxilla. Conclusion: Impacted third molars with the mesiangular angle being the most prevalent. Most patients had Class I malocclusion. A significant association was noted between wisdom tooth impaction toward the ramus and the ANB angle on the left side. Additionally, the level of the wisdom tooth relative to the seventh tooth showed a significant relationship with the Wits appraisal on the left side. Keywords: Third molar impaction; Orthodontic patients; Skeletal malocclusion.