Relationship between root morphology of the mandibular third molars and crowding in the posterior segment

Abstract

Objective To investigate the root morphology of the mandibular molars and the relationship between root morphology and crowding in the posterior segment.Methods One thousand and fifty-six dental panoramic radiographs were evaluated.The age range of the patients when the X-rays were taken was from 22 to 35 years.The roots of the mandibular first,second and third molars were evaluated.The relationship between root morphology of the mandibular molars and crowding in the posterior segment was assessed.Results The root tended to become convergent from mandibular first to third molar.No significant differences were found in third molar root morphology between impacted molars and normally positioned ones.Conclusions The root morphology of the mandibular third molars was variable.No significant correlation was found between root morphology and crowding in the posterior segment. Key words: Third molar; Root morphology; Crowding