Abstract
Selecting either buccal or lingual approach for the mandibular third molar surgical extraction has been an intense debate for years. The aim of this observational retrospective study was to classify the molar based on the proximity to the external cortical bone, and analyze the position of inferior alveolar canal (IAC) of each type. Cone-beam CT (CBCT) data of 110 deeply impacted mandibular third molars from 91 consecutive patients were analyzed. A new classification based on the mean deduction value (MD) of buccal-lingual alveolar bone thickness was proposed: MD≥1 mm was classified as buccal position, 1 mm>MD>−1 mm was classified as central position, MD≤−1 mm was classified as lingual position. The study samples were distributed as: buccal position (1.8%) in 2 subjects, central position (10.9%) in 12 and lingual position (87.3%) in 96. Ninety-six molars (87.3%) contacted the IAC. The buccal and inferior IAC course were the most common types in impacted third molar, especially in lingually positioned ones. Our study suggested that amongst deeply impacted mandibular third molars, lingual position occupies the largest proportion, followed by the central, and then the buccal type.
Highlights
Field of oral and maxillofacial surgery as a useful way of predicting the surgical difficulty of extraction of impacted lower third molars
The purpose of this study was to introduce a new classification of impacted mandibular third molars based on buccal and lingual alveolar bone thickness, which were measured on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, and present the treatment perspectives based on this classification
The authors hypothesized that this unique classification could classify deeply or fully impacted mandibular third molars based on the proximity to the external cortical bone
Summary
Field of oral and maxillofacial surgery as a useful way of predicting the surgical difficulty of extraction of impacted lower third molars. The morphological shape of the mandible at the third molar region was classified as: round shape (round shape on both buccal and lingual sides), lingual extended (slightly straight on the buccal side with a bony extension on the lingual side), and lingual concave (lingual concave on the lingual side and a round buccal side) This classification aimed at protecting against lingual perforation during mandibular third molar extraction and guiding implant operation[5,6,7]. The purpose of this study was to introduce a new classification of impacted mandibular third molars based on buccal and lingual alveolar bone thickness, which were measured on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, and present the treatment perspectives based on this classification. The specific aim of the study was to evaluate deeply or fully impacted mandibular third molars’ alveolar bone thickness, analyze the distribution of position type and the IAC position of each type
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
