Prevalence and Angulation of Mandibular Third Molar Impaction in Zliten, Libya: A Retrospective Radiographic Study

Abstract

Objectives: This retrospective study investigates the prevalence and angulation of impacted mandibular third molars and the most affected sex in a sample of Libyan patients between the ages of (19 and 84) who live in Zliten, Libya. Study Design: Sixty-nine patients between the ages of (19 and 84) referred to the Assalam Dental Centre were included in this retrospective study. Of the 69 patients, 30 females and 39 males were assessed for the prevalence and position of an impacted mandibular third molar on panoramic radiographs. Results: Out of 124 mandibular third molars, seventy-six were found to be impacted on both right and left sides, from which mesioangular impaction was the most common angulation in females. In contrast, vertical impaction was the most common in males. In addition, the prevalence of impacted mandibular third molars were more in females. Conclusion: The prevalence of impacted mandibular third molars is higher in females than males, and mesioangular impaction is the most common in females, while vertical angulation is frequently common in males.