Demographics and diagnostic patterns of pericoronitis and impacted teeth: a retrospective study from Peja, Kosovo

Impacted teeth, particularly mandibular third molars, usually lead to orthodontic complications. So it is necessary to evaluate their clinical patterns, demographic distribution, and clinical characteristics to improve management strategies. The present study investigates the diagnostic patterns, demographic characteristics, and clinical features of impacted teeth diagnosed as Pericoronitis (partially erupted/impacted teeth) and Dens impactus (orthodontic indication) in Kosovo between 2018 and 2023. A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted using patient records from the Department of Oral Surgery, Peja region, Kosovo. The study included 622 patients who underwent surgical extraction of 673 impacted teeth. Data on diagnoses, tooth type, jaw location, extraction type, and demographics were analyzed using R version 4.5.1. Descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, and Kruskal–Wallis tests were applied ( p < 0.05). Of 622 cases, Pericoronitis (partially erupted/impacted teeth) accounted for 79%, and Dens impactus (orthodontic indication) for 21%. Both diagnoses peaked in 2018 and declined notably in 2020, reflecting pandemic-related service reduction. Patients with Pericoronitis were older (mean = 27.1 ± 11.2 years) than those with Dens impactus (mean = 21.6 ± 5.5 years; p < 0.001). Mandibular impactions (especially third molars) were significantly more common ( p < 0.001). Pericoronitis remains the predominant diagnosis among impacted teeth, particularly involving mandibular third molars. Age and jaw location are significantly associated with the observed diagnostic patterns, highlighting the need for preventive management and timely intervention.