Mesioangular impacted lower third molars: angulation before and after orthodontic treatment with premolar extraction

Abstract

Impaction of the lower third molars is due to the lack of space in the retromolar pad. Extraction of premolars in orthodontic treatment helps the uprighting of mesioangular impacted third molars so that they can erupt normally. The aim of this study was to measure changes in angulation during orthodontic treatment of mesioangular impacted lower third molars. This retrospective, cross-sectional analytical study used 25 samples of panoramic radiographs from patients aged 10–21 years before and after orthodontic treatment. Angulation was measured using the long axis of the lower second molars as the reference plane. The Wilcoxon test and paired t-test (p < 0.05) showed no significant changes in lower third molar angulation on both sides (p > 0.05). Radiographs showed a tendency for an increase in angulation, although the change was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). These increases occurred most frequently in the adult group (17–21 years old). It can be concluded that the extraction of premolars in orthodontic treatment did not significantly affect the angulation of impacted third molars.