Radiograph-based epidemiology of impacted teeth in Sana’a City, Yemen: a multicenter retrospective study

BACKGROUND: Impacted teeth are a common dental anomaly and may be associated with several radiographic findings, including dental caries, root resorption, and cystic changes. Radiograph-based epidemiological data from Yemen remain limited. OBJECTIVE: To assess the radiograph-based prevalence and radiographic characteristics of impacted teeth among patients attending panoramic imaging centers in Sana'a City, Yemen. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using 16,575 digital panoramic radiographs collected from 12 panoramic imaging centers in Sana'a City between 2020 and 2022. Radiographs were evaluated for the presence of impacted teeth and analyzed according to age, gender, tooth type, location, angulation, level and depth of impaction, and associated radiographic findings. RESULTS: Impacted teeth were identified in 2,378 radiographs, yielding a radiograph-level prevalence of 14.3%. The highest frequency was observed among patients aged 20-29 years, with a significantly higher prevalence in females. Third molars accounted for 85.9% of all impacted teeth. Vertical and mesio-angular angulations were the most common patterns, while Level B and partial bony impactions predominated. Radiographic findings suggestive of dental caries and root resorption were frequently observed. CONCLUSION: Impacted teeth, particularly third molars, were commonly detected among patients undergoing panoramic imaging in Sana'a City. Panoramic radiography is a useful screening tool for identifying impaction patterns and related radiographic features; however, the findings represent radiograph-based estimates from imaging centers and should not be interpreted as population prevalence. Clinical correlation remains essential for definitive diagnosis and management.