Prevalence and type of pathological conditions associated with unerupted and retained third molars in the Western Indian population

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the position of impacted third molars and to determine the prevalence and type of pathological conditions associated with these unerupted and retained teeth in the Western Indian population. Materials and Methods: A total of 5486 impacted third molars of 4133 patients were studied through the panoramic radiographs and clinical records to determine the position of the impacted third molars and for the presence of associated pathology. The ages of the patients ranged from 17 years to 67 years, with a mean of 33.7 years. The ratio of male to female patients was 1.8:1. The ratio of maxillary to mandibular molars was 1:1.6. Results: Pericoronitis was the most common associated pathology with the third molars (38.9%), followed by dental caries seen in 13.2% of the impacted teeth. Cystic and neoplastic changes were seen around 3.6% impacted teeth and 5.3% adjacent second molars had caries. Other pathologies were less frequent. Conclusion: The prevalence of pathological conditions associated with the third molar in the Western Indian population was 69.73%. Pericoronitis and caries were commonly seen in relation to the impacted third molars, whereas cystic pathology and root resorption were rarely observed. The fact that a considerable number of patients were asymptomatic indicating pathology is certainly worth considering.