Impacted Mandibular Third Molars Research Articles

Efficacy of dexamethasone injection at different sites on postoperative sequelae after extracting mandibular impacted third molars: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundDexamethasone, an efficacious anti-inflammatory agent, is widely used after tooth extraction. However, its optimal injection site has yet to be investigated. PurposeWe compare the efficacy of dexamethasone injection at different sites on postoperative sequelae after extracting mandibular impacted third molars (MITMs). Study design, setting, and sampleA prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted. Healthy adults with fully MITMs scheduled for extraction were included. Exclusion criteria were 1) Patients with the systemic alteration that prevented the surgical procedure; 2) pregnancy, breastfeeding, premenstrual period; 3) hypersensitivity to the drug under test; and 4) those who did not return for postoperative follow-up at one, three, and seven days. Exposure variableThe subjects were randomized to three groups. An online randomization plan generator assigned each subject to a single treatment by randomly permuting blocks. Different sites for postoperative dexamethasone injections included the buccal side of the adjacent second molar and extraction sockets. Dexamethasone injection (4 mg) on the buccal side of the adjacent second molar (group 1), an injection on the buccal side of extraction sockets (group 2), an injection of physiological saline (0.8 mL) on the buccal side of the adjacent second molar (control). Outcome variablesThe outcome variables were postoperative facial swelling, limitation of the mouth opening, postoperative pain, and postoperative quality of life evaluation. The pain was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) at one, three and seven days, postoperatively. The quality of life was recorded throughout the Posse scale at seven days. CovariatesThe covariates are age, sex, length of operation, and type of impacted teeth and surgery. AnalysesThe statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA, repeated measures ANOVA, Chi-square, or Fisher’s exact tests with P-values < 0.05 considered statistically significant. ResultsOur study included 58 participants with a mean age of 19.48 ± 3.31 years; group 1 (n = 24), group 2 (n = 20), and control group (n = 14). On day three postoperative, the swelling and trismus were significantly less in group one than in the other two groups (P < 0.05), and group one had an overall postoperative quality of life compared to other groups (P < 0.05). Unaffected speech function was present in 73.7% of patients in group 1, while 50% of patients in group 2 had affected speech function three days after the operation (p < 0.05). The "unable to open mouth" of the “Eating subscale” and “felt tingling” had statistical significance (p < 0.05). ConclusionsDexamethasone injections on the buccal side of the adjacent second molar can be a viable option for treating facial swelling and limitation of mouth opening after total MITMs extraction.

The Accuracy of Bone Assessment Distal to Lower Second Molars Using Panoramic Radiography: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Panoramic radiography (OPG) evaluates mandibular third molar impaction (MTMI). This systematic review aimed to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of OPG in detecting bone loss distal to the lower second molars. The associated bone loss with different impaction positions and the most prevalent positions of MTMI were investigated as secondary outcomes. In January 2023, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane were searched to identify studies published between January 2012 and January 2023. Two examiners blindly selected the eligible studies for data extraction and quality assessment. Of 427 studies, 8 were suitable for data extraction. All studies reported bone loss distal to the second molar using OPG, ranging from 4.9 to 62.9%. The most frequent position of MTMI is mesioangular. The distal bone loss in the vertical and horizontal positions is statistically significant compared to typically positioned third molars and those that are fully erupted or impacted, but in a normal orientation (p-value 0.005 and 0.02, respectively). Bone loss was not statistically significant in the mesioangular position compared to other impacted positions (p-value 0.14). The risk of bias ranges between 66 and 88%. Despite its limitations, OPG is still considered a valuable tool to assess bone loss distal to the lower second molar in cases of an impacted mandibular third molar.

Mandibular Third Molar Impaction and Bone Change Distal to the Second Molar: A Panoramic Radiographic Study

Background: The mandibular third molar is the most frequently impacted tooth. An impacted mandibular third molar (IMTM) can have negative consequences on the adjacent mandibular second molar (MSM), such as bone loss. An IMTM can be identified using orthopantomography (OPG). Our objective is to compare changes in bone level distal to the mandibular second molar (MSM) in patients with an extracted IMTM versus non-extracted IMTM using OPG. Methods: In this retrospective case–control study, 160 orthopantomograms (OPGs) of 80 patients who attended Dental Hospital of the University of Barcelona (HOUB) were randomly selected. Participants were stratified into a study group and control group. Results: Males and females experienced bone gain in the study group and bone loss in the control group. However, the difference in bone-level change was not statistically significant regarding gender in the study group. Within the study group, the age group of 29–39 years demonstrated significant (p-value = 0.042) bone gain after extraction compared to other age groups. However, the control group demonstrated bone loss in all age groups in which the difference is not statistically significant (p-value 0.794). Conclusions: Bone improvements distal to the MSM were observed after the extraction of an IMTM compared to when an IMTM was not extracted.

Effectiveness of Advanced Platelet-Rich Fibrin on Postoperative Sequelae for Impacted Mandibular Third Molar Surgery: A Prospective Study.

Introduction Impacted third molar extraction is frequently removed surgically by maxillofacial surgeons, which is mostly associated with postoperative sequelae like pain and swelling. It is essential to minimize the complications and enhance wound healing in the extracted socket of the third molar. Hence, this study aimed to assess the efficiency of advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF) in wound healing and reducing pain after surgical extraction of the impacted mandibular third molar (IMTM). Materials and methods Thirtyhealthy patients who have been diagnosed with Pell and Gregory class II IMTM were included in this study. In the study group, which comprises 15 patients, extraction sockets were filled with A-PRF extract. In the control group, no material was placed in the extraction sockets. The pain was assessed preoperative and on the third and seventh postoperative days using a visual analog scale (VAS). Wound healing was assessed on the third and seventh postoperative days using a modified laundry scale. SPSS for Windows was used for data analysis. Categorical data was compared between the groups using the Chi-square test. P-value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results The study population's mean age was 25.67 ± 2.4 years. Nineteen patients were male, and 11 patients were female. Differences in mean pain scores between the groups were not statistically significant both on the third postoperative day (p=0.59)and the seventh postoperative day (p=0.33). During the seventh day postoperative day, the study group exhibited better wound healing compared to the control group and the results were statistically significant (p=0.01). Conclusion A-PRF is a simple and effective method of reducing postoperative sequela by promoting wound healing after surgical extraction of IMTM. Ithas the advantage of less chance of allergic and anaphylactic reactions, unlike their predecessor platelet concentrates.

Relationship between the impacted mandibular third molar and adjacent second molar' external root resorption by cone-bean computed tomography analysis.

The relationship between the impacted mandibular third molar (IMTM) and the external root resorption (ERR) of the mandibular second molar (MSM) was analysed with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The risk factors affecting the ERR of the MSM were examined to provide a reference. A total of 327 patients (total: 578 teeth) admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Yanbian University for IMTM extraction from January 2017 to December 2019 was chosen and divided according to gender and age. The correlation between the IMTM and ERR of MSM was analysed, including inclination angle, impaction direction and depth. The relationship of mandibular ascending ramus classification with ERR of MSM was also analysed. In addition, the correlation between the MTM impaction type and the severity of ERR was analysed. The incidence of ERR of MSM in male patients was higher than in females (27.9% vs.17.6%, p = 0.018). The occurrence and the site of ERR showed statistical differences in the inclination angle [(≤20°, 3.6%) vs. (21°-40°, 27.1%) vs. (41°-60°, 27.6%) vs. (61°-80°, 25.6%) vs. (>80°, 31.7%), p <0.001], impaction direction [(Vertical, 1.1%) vs. (Mesial, 32.7%) vs. (Horizontal, 25.3%), p <0.001] and depth of MTM [(Low position, 38.6%) vs. (Median position, 32.0%) vs. (High position, 13.7%), p <0.001]. Also, there was a significant difference in the mandibular ascending ramus type [(Class I, 17.4%) vs. (Class II, 32.3%) vs. (Class III, 44.9%), p <0.001]. In addition, the severity of ERR showed statistical differences in the mesial (40.9%, p<0.05), lower impaction (54.5%, p<0.05) depth of MTM and type III of mandibular ascending ramus (63.6%, p<0.05). The inclination angle, impaction direction, and depth of MTM were the influencing factors for the occurrence and site of ERR. Also, mandibular ascending ramus type was the impact fact. For MTM with mesioangular, lower impaction, and mandibular ascending ramus with type III, the ERR of the MSM was severer.

Comparative evaluation for the accuracy of mandibular third molar impaction status with respect to surrounding dentoalveolar structures using orthopantomogram as against cone beam computed tomography

Mandibular third molar impaction impose a great dental problem especially to young adults. It is the most commonly impacted tooth in the entire dentition of humans. The cause of impaction may vary and may include lack of space, malposition and physical barrier on the path of eruption. This impaction can lead to different pathologies, from infection to development of cysts. Injury to the inferior alveolar nerve during extraction of mandibular third molar is also a possibility during treatment which can lead to numbness, tingling or burning sensation of the affected side. It can also have adverse effects on the adjacent second molar. Several studies have been done to determine the angulation, depth of impaction, space available between the second molar and ramus, proximity to inferior mandibular third, status of adjacent second molar using several criteria and classification using orthopantomography (OPG) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). But there is very little research done on the precision of both OPG and CBCT and comparisons of their diagnostic accuracy. In this study, adults above 21 years of age who have impacted mandibular third molar (IMTM) will be taken for OPG where OPG will provide two-dimensional radiography and CBCT will deliver three-dimensional radiography. Different criteria will be used to assess the status of the impaction and see the sensitivity and specificity in both OPG and CBCT. This study is important to help determine which radiographic diagnostic tool is preferable for assessing the status of impacted third molar and its relation to its surrounding structures and estimate the difficulty index for extraction of mandibular third molar impaction. It will also further help in preventing any injury or complication which can arise to the surrounding structures both during and after extraction and which will also help in achieving best possible outcome for patients.

The effect of root orientation on inferior alveolar nerve injury after extraction of impacted mandibular third molars based on propensity score-matched analysis: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundThe injury of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) is one of the most serious complications of impacted mandibular third molars (IMTMs) extraction. The influence of the root orientation of IMTMs on IAN injury is still controversial. A deeper understanding of the risk factors of IAN injury conduces to better prevention of IAN injury. This study aims to explore whether root orientation is an independent risk factor of IAN injury during IMTMs extraction using the statistical strategy of propensity score matching (PSM).MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included 379 patients with 539 cases of high-risk IMTMs screened by panoramic radiography and cone beam computed tomography. The IAN injury incidence after extraction of different groups of IMTMs was analyzed using the chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test. The correlation between third molar root orientation and impaction depth/contact degree with IAN was evaluated by the Lambda coefficient. Based on PSM for balancing confounding factors including age, sex, impaction depth, and contact degree, the effect of root orientation on the incidence of IAN injury was further analyzed using Fisher’s exact test.ResultsThere were significant group differences in IAN injury incidence in impaction depth, root orientation, and contact degree of root-IAC before PSM. Root orientation was correlated with impaction depth and contact degree of root-IAC. After PSM, there were 9 cases with IAN injury and 257 cases without IAN injury. There were significant group differences between the buccal and non-buccal groups after PSM, and the risk of IAN injury was higher when the root was located on the buccal side of IAC (OR = 8.448, RR = 8).ConclusionsRoot orientation is an independent risk factor of IAN injury, and the risk is higher when the root is located on the buccal side of IAC. These findings could help better evaluate the risk of inferior alveolar nerve injury before the extraction of IMTMs.

Effect of chlorhexidine gel on the prevention of alveolar osteitis and post‐operative pain following transalveolar extraction of impacted mandibular third molars: A randomized study

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the efficacy of 0.2% chlorhexidine gel with warm saline mouth rinse (WSMR) in the prevention of alveolar osteitis (AO) following transalveolar impacted mandibular third molar (IMTM) extraction after accounting for surgical operative confounding factors.Materials and MethodsWe conducted a parallel design randomized study. Participants were consenting adults randomly assigned to 0.9% WSMR and 0.2% chlorhexidine gel (administered twice daily post‐operatively) groups. All participants were followed up daily post‐operatively for one week. The primary outcome was an incidence of AO, assessed using Blum's criteria. Fischer's exact tests and regression models were used to investigate the effect of interventions on AO.ResultsOne hundred participants were enrolled in the study, with 50 participants in each group. A higher incidence of AO was observed in the WSMR group than the chlorhexidine group (16% vs. 2%, p = 0.01). However, after adjusting for duration of extraction (aOR: 0.18; 95% CI: 0.02, 1.71) and bone operating time (aOR: 0.16; 95% CI: 0.02, 1.47), the difference was not statistically significant.ConclusionsIn conclusion, the study demonstrates that the application of the 0.2% chlorhexidine gel was not significantly more effective in preventing AO compared with the use of WSMR following transalveolar IMTM extraction after controlling for operative factors.

Three-dimensional positional relationship between impacted mandibular third molars and the mandibular canal

ObjectiveTo observe the three-dimensional positional relationship between impacted mandibular third molars (IMTMs) and mandibular canal close contacts using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).MethodsA total of 101 patients with IMTMs were selected who met the diagnostic criteria for 142 teeth (no bone wall imaging area between IMTMs and the mandibular canal, a high-density bone cortical imaging area only, or a ≦1 mm bone imaging area). The parameters of the rotating CBCT anode were set as follows: 110 kV, 40–50 mA; the focal point and exposure field were set as 0.3 mmh and a high-resolution zoom, respectively; the exposure time and image layer thickness were set as 5.4 s and 0.25 mm. Three-dimensional reconstruction was performed, and the position of the mandibular canal through the IMTM area was observed continuously from the coronal, horizontal and sagittal planes.ResultsWe found that the mandibular canal was interrupted below the third molar (TM) in 85 cases, accounting for 59.86% of all cases. The mandibular canal was located below the buccal and lingual curvatures in 33 and 19 cases, respectively, accounting for 23.23% and 19%. In addition, a small number of mandibular canals were also located on the buccal side of the mandibular molars (2.82%). We also found one case of direct insertion of the mandibular third molar (MTM) into the mandibular canal. In addition, the mandibular canal passed through the IMTM region with 125 close contacts at the roots (88.03%); 14 mandibular canals were in contact with all teeth and 3 were in contact with the crown.ConclusionThe use of CBCT can provide a dynamic and comprehensive understanding of the three-dimensional positional relationship of the mandibular alveolar nerve canal passing through the IMTM area, providing a high clinical reference value when extracting IMTMs and reducing the risk of injury to the inferior alveolar nerve.

Analgesics effect of local diclofenac in third molar surgery: a randomized, controlled trial.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of locally diclofenac application on postoperative pain, sequalae, and adverse effects following mandibular third molar (MTM) surgery. A randomized, crossover, double-blind, controlled trial was conducted in 20 patients who required surgical removal of bilateral symmetrical impacted MTM at two separate appointments. The 40 MTMs were randomly allocated to two groups. One side was assigned 0.1% w/v diclofenac sodium as the diclofenac group. The contralateral side was assigned phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) as the control group. Postoperative pain intensity was measured by visual analogue scale (VAS), where the time when the first pain emerged, the time to first rescue medication, pain at 6 and 24h after surgery, and the total number of analgesics consumed were recorded. Postoperative swelling and trismus were assessed on postoperative days 2 and 7. The differences of continuous outcomes between two groups were analyzed by paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test. VAS scores were significantly lower when the first pain emerged and 6h after surgery in diclofenac group (p < 0.05). The onset of pain in the diclofenac group was significantly longer than in the control group (p < 0.05). Two patients reported mild nausea and dizziness in the diclofenac group. This study demonstrates the analgesic effectiveness of 0.1% local application of diclofenac within 6h postoperative with few side effects. Locally diclofenac application is an alternative of postoperative analgesic in MTM surgery which provides pain-free periods within 6h.

Comparison of preemptive etoricoxib and dexamethasone in third molar surgery - a randomized controlled clinical trial of patient-reported and clinical outcomes.

To compare preemptive single-dose etoricoxib and dexamethasone on postoperative patient satisfaction (pPS) and clinical parameters following the impacted mandibular third molar (IMTM) extraction. A parallel-group, triple-blinded, controlled clinical study included a total of 90 patients (n = 30), randomized to receive: etoricoxib 90mg, dexamethasone 4mg, or no premedication (control group) 1h before surgery. Paracetamol 500mg was prescribed as rescue medication (RM). Check-ups were scheduled at 24h, 48h, and day 7 post-surgery. At each time point, pPS was assessed using the 5-point Likert scale. RM parameters, swelling, trismus, and the occurrence of adverse events were also recorded, and patients were instructed to rate the perceived pain on Visual Analogue Scale. In all the follow-up periods, data indicated significantly higher pPS scores in the preemptive medication groups when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Both regimens delayed the first RM intake when compared to controls. In the etoricoxib group, a significantly lower total RM consumption was observed (p < 0.05). Dexamethasone significantly decreased swelling at each check-up and increased mouth opening at day 7 after the surgery (p < 0.05). Preemptive etoricoxib and dexamethasone elevate pPS after IMTM surgery. Etoricoxib improves RM parameters, while dexamethasone ameliorates the patient's postoperative functional ability. Preemptive etoricoxib and dexamethasone use may decrease patients' discomfort following the impacted mandibular third molar extraction. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05791721. Date of Registration: 28/03/2023 (retrospectively registered).

Extraction of impacted mandibular third molars in close proximity to the inferior alveolar canal with coronectomy-miniscrew traction to avoid nerve injury.

Extraction of impacted mandibular third molars (IMTMs) is the most common surgery performed in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injury is a rare but severe complication, and the risk is significantly higher in cases of IMTM near the inferior alveolar canal (IAC). The existing surgical method to extract such IMTMs is either not safe enough or is time-consuming. A better surgical design is needed. From August 2019 to June 2022, 23 patients underwent IMTM extraction by Dr. Zhao at Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, and were found to have IMTMs in close proximity to the IAC. Due to high IAN injury risk, these patients underwent coronectomy-miniscrew traction to extract their IMTMs. The time between coronectomy-miniscrew insertion and complete removal of the IMTM was 32.65 ± 2.110days, which was significantly shorter than that of traditional orthodontic traction. Two-point discrimination testing revealed no IAN injury, and no injury was reported by patients during follow-up. Other complications, such as severe swelling, severe bleeding, dry socket, and limited mouth opening, were not observed. Postoperative pain levels were not significantly higher in the coronectomy-miniscrew traction group than in the traditional IMTM extraction group. For IMTMs that are in close proximity to the IAC and must be extracted, coronectomy-miniscrew traction is a novel approach to minimize the risk of IAN injury in a less time-consuming way with a lower possibility of complications.

Does the “Root Removal First” strategy prevent postoperative complications in the surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars in the Pell and Gregory class C and horizontal position? — a randomized clinical trial

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical outcomes of the “Root Removal First” strategy in the surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molar (IMTM) in the class C and horizontal position.Materials and methodsA total of 274 cases were finally included in the statistics. The positions of IMTM in the horizontal position were confirmed by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Cases were randomly divided into two groups: the “Root Removal First” strategy was applied in the new method (NM) group, and the conventional “Crown Removal First” strategy was executed in the traditional method (TM) group. The clinical information and relevant data upon follow-up were recorded.ResultsThe duration of the surgical removal and the incidence rates of lower lip paresthesia in the NM group were significantly lower than those in the TM group. The degree of mobility of the adjacent mandibular second molar (M2) in the NM group was significantly lower than that in the TM group at 30 days and 3 months post-operation. The distal and buccal probing depth of the M2, as well as the exposed root length of M2 in the NM group, were significantly lower than those in the TM group 3 months post-operation.ConclusionsThe “Root Removal First” strategy can reduce the incidence rate of inferior alveolar nerve injury and periodontal complications of the M2 in the surgical removal of IMTM in class C and horizontal position with high efficiency.Trial registrationChiCTR2000040063.

Two Cases of Kissing Molars

Kissing molars （KMs） are an extremely rare condition in which the occlusal surfaces of impacted molars contact each other, with roots pointing in opposite directions. KMs are classified according to the type of impacted molars, the contact style of the occlusal surface, and the presence or absence of a radiolucent area around the crown. We experienced two cases of Class Ⅱ true KMs without cystic variant. In these cases, second and third molars were impacted with occlusal surfaces facing each other, without a pericoronal radiolucency around the crowns. Case 1: A panoramic X-ray and computed tomography revealed complete impaction of the right mandibular second and third molars that had occlusal surfaces contacting each other. Both teeth were extracted under general anesthesia. Case 2: A panoramic X-ray and computed tomography revealed that the occlusal surfaces of the impacted left mandibular second and third molars were facing each other directly, and the root of this impacted second molar was close to the apical radiolucent lesion of the left mandibular first molar. Under general anesthesia, tooth extraction of the left mandibular first, second and third molars and periapical cystectomy of the left mandibular first molar were performed. The postoperative courses of both cases have been good.

Pattern of Impaction of Mandibular Third Molar and Its Relation with Caries in Mandibular Second Molar

Objective: To determine caries frequency in mandibular second molars in proportion to level of angulation and depth of impaction of mandibular third molars established on winters and Pell and Gregory classification system. Study Design: This was a Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was regulated in Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Islamic International Dental Hospital, Islamabad from 1 January 2018 to 30th June 2018. Materials and Methods: An overall 100 cases of caries were investigated on clinical and radiographic basis in mandibular second molars. Each panoramic radiograph was studied for the presence of carious lesion in lower second molars. The depth and angulation of impacted third molars was being assessed using Pell and Gregory and winter's grouping respectively. Chi square test was applied for analysis of data. Results: The participants in this study had age range from 18 to 60 years old. Mean age was 39.24 ±9.77 years. Majority of the patients 59 (59.0%) were between the ages 18 and 40. Among these patients, males were 83 (83.0%) and females 17 (17.0%) having a 4.9:1 male-to-female ratio. Caries at the distal aspect of mandibular second molars were seen in 39 percent of individuals with impacted lower third molars and mesioangularly impacted teeth most resulted in caries. Conclusion: This study concluded that 39% of the patients with impacted mandibular third molars caused distal cervical caries in second molars, with mesioangular impaction being the most prominent type causing caries. So, an attentive follow up of impacted mandibular third molars should be considered as health of lower mandibular second molar is influenced by pattern of impaction.

Evaluation of the Position and Incidence of Impaction of Mandibular Third Molars in Different Anteroposterior and Vertical Skeletal Patterns: A Retrospective Study

Aim: To evaluate the incidence of impacted mandibular third molar in different anteroposterior and vertical facial skeletal patterns and to evaluate the angle of impaction of mandibular third molar.&#x0D; Methodology: 207 Panoramic and lateral cephalometric radiographs for patients above 20 years old with impacted mandibular third molar were recruited from the orthodontic department clinics in multiple universities in Egypt and traced using WebCeph ™ software. From the lateral cephalograms, three anteroposterior measurements were taken which were termed as ANB, A-B difference and Wits appraisal and three vertical angles were measured which were SN/MP, MMPA and FMPA to determine different skeletal facial types. The angulation of mandibular third molar impaction was determined by β angle according to Winter’s classification from the orthopantomogram.&#x0D; Results: Among all 207 analyzed cases, impacted third molars were detected in (38.6%) cases&#x0D; unilaterally and (61.4%) bilaterally. Anteroposteriorly, the higher percentage of total impactions was found in subjects with a class 2 skeletal pattern (97.2%). Vertically, the higher percentage of total impactions was found in subjects with a mesocephalic facial pattern (45.9%). The most common type of impaction was mesioangular based on Winter’s classification.&#x0D; Conclusions: A higher incidence of lower third molar impaction was found in subjects with a class 2 skeletal pattern. A higher incidence of lower third molar impaction was found in subjects with a mesocephalic facial pattern. In almost all skeletal facial types, the mesioangular position of the impacted mandibular third molar was the most prevalent position.

The pattern of mandibular third molar impaction and its relationship with the development of distal caries in adjacent second molars among Emiratis: a retrospective study

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate the pattern of mandibular third molar (MTM) impaction and associated carious lesions in adjacent mandibular second molars (MSMs) in a sample of Emirati individuals.MethodsThis retrospective study assessed 2000 orthopantomograms of Emirati patients who visited the Specialized Fujairah Dental Center between 2015 and 2020. The depth, ramus relation and angulation of the impacted MTMs were assessed according to the Pell and Gregory classification and Winter’s classification. In addition, carious lesions in adjacent MSMs associated with the evaluated parameters were identified.ResultsA total of 461 (23.05%) of the patients had at least one impacted MTM. The mean age of the study population was 26.24 years. Mesioangular, level B, and class II impactions were the most common, at 47.37% (χ2 = 382.134; p < 0.001), 45.48% (χ2 = 56.889; p < 0.001), and 74.05% (χ2 = 513.099; p < 0.001), respectively. There was a higher percentage of level C impaction among females than among males (χ2 = 19.178; p < 0.001). A total of 126 impacted teeth (18.36%) had associated carious lesions. These carious lesions were predominantly found in teeth with mesioangular impactions (χ2 = 59.430; p < 0.001), level A and B impactions (χ2 = 23.301; p < 0.001), and class II and I impactions (χ2 = 17.918; p = 0.006).ConclusionsIt is imperative to raise awareness of soft tissue mesioangular-impacted MTMs, as they are the most frequently associated with the development of carious lesions in adjacent MSMs. Approximately one quarter of evaluated Emiratis had at least one impacted MTM, with the most prevalent pattern being class II, level B, and mesioangular impactions. Furthermore, surgical removal is expected to be more challenging for females than for males.

Radiographic assessment of the prevalence and pattern of impacted teeth in Kanyakumari population using orthopantomogram- A retrospective study

Background: The present study was aimed to record the incidence of each distinctive impacted tooth by reviewing panoramic radiographs. Materials and methods: In present study 10-year records (2012 to 2021) of 4000 panoramic radiographs were obtained from the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Sree Mookambika Institute of Dental Sciences (SMIDS), Kanyakumari. From the data collected, 442 patients` panoramic radiographs fulfilled the inclusion criteria and 627 impactions were detected and classified accordingly. The obtained results were tabulated and statistically analyzed. Results: A total of 627 impactions were found with 15.7% prevalence. Males had the higher number of impacted teeth than females with a small margin. Mandibular third molar (69.26%) was found to be the most commonly impacted teeth followed by canine (14.8%), maxillary third molar (9.39%), premolar (3.0%), supernumerary (2.1%) and incisors (1%). Horizontal pattern (69.9%) was the most commonly reported impaction of mandibular third molar. In maxilla, vertical impaction (63%) was the most common pattern. The results also revealed that higher portion of impacted teeth lies in mandible (78.3%) than in maxilla (21.6%). Conclusion: Impacted teeth and congenitally missing teeth are a common phenomenon nowadays. Many patients at their later age present to a dental surgeon due to pain and infection from impacted teeth. This study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of impacted teeth in patients in and around Kanyakumari district. With more than 15% prevalence of impactions in adults, it is wise to do panoramic imaging in suspected patients with missing teeth to prevent further complications like pain, infection and cystic transformation.

Relationship of Oral Pathologies Associated with Second Molars to the Patterns of Adjacent Impacted Third Molar

Objective: To assess the relationship of oral pathologies associated with second molars to the patterns of adjacent impacted third molar. Methodology: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted on 385 Orthopantomograms (OPG) of patients. The study was conducted in the Institute of Dentistry, CMH Lahore Medical College, Lahore, Sharif Medical and Dental College (SMDC) and Services Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS) over a period of three months from December 2020 to February 2021. The Pell and Gregory classification was used for depth of third molar impaction and ramus relationship of mandibular third molars. Winter`s classification was used for classifying the angle of impaction. Results: The association between presence of caries (p=≤0.001) and external resorption (p=≤0.001) in second mandibular molar with depth of impaction of adjacent an impacted third molar, ramus relationship of third molar with presence of external root resorption in second molar (p=≤0.001) and presence of caries (p=0.005), periapical radiolucencies (p=0.009) and external root resorption (p=≤0.001) in second molar with the angle of impacted third molar were significant. The association of presence of caries, pericoronal, periapical radiolucencies and external root resorption in the maxillary second molars with the depth and angle of adjacent impacted third molars was not significant. Conclusion: The carious lesions were the highest where the third molar had class A depth of impaction while the maximum external resorption was seen where the third molar had class C depth of impaction. Second mandibular molars adjacent to impacted third molars in class 2 ramus relationship had the most external root resorption. It was seen that second molars adjacent to the impacted third molars with mesioangular impactions had the highest percentage of caries and periapical radiolucencies while those adjacent to third molars with horizontal angle of impaction showed the maximum external root resorption. Keywords: Second molars, impacted third molars, pericoronal radiolucency, periapical radiolucency, external root resorption, caries

Effect of Photobiomodulation Therapy on Reducing Acute Pain and Inflammation Following Surgical Removal of Impacted Mandibular Third Molars: A Randomized, Split-Mouth Clinical Trial.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on analgesic and inflammatory reduction with that of ibuprofen following surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars (IMTMs). Methods: A randomized, split-mouth clinical trial was performed on patients undergoing bilateral IMTM removal. PBMT [gallium aluminum arsenide (GaAlAs) laser] with specific parameters (wavelength of 810 nm, power of 0.5% ± 20% W, and energy density of 4 J/cm2) was applied randomly on one side of the mouth immediately after surgery and 1 and 2 days after surgery. The pain level was self-rated with a Likert scale at 2, 4, 6, 24, and 48 h postoperatively. Swelling and trismus were measured on the first and second day after surgery. Saliva was collected for measuring pre- and postoperative salivary immunoglobulin A (sIgA) concentrations with the sandwich ELISA test. Results: The study sample included 25 patients (average age of 22.88 years) with 50 bilateral symmetrical IMTMs. Pain level was highest at 2 h after surgery in both groups and gradually decreased over time (p < 0.01). Swelling and trismus at 48 h were higher than at 24 h (p < 0.01). Within the first 48 h postoperatively, pain level, swelling, and trismus were significantly lower in the PBMT group (p < 0.05). Postoperative sIgA was also significantly lower in the PBMT group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: In short-term and specific conditions of this study, it was found that PBMT helped promote postoperative pain relief and anti-inflammation after surgical removal of IMTMs. The results suggested that there may be a link between a decrease in salivary sIgA levels and decrease in inflammatory processes after PBMT. Trial Registration No. NCT04280809 at ClinicalTrials.gov.