Radioanatomical evaluation of avulsion difficulties in impacted mandibular third molars: about 225 cases

Abstract

Introduction: The third molar erupts last, and its evolution in a narrow space may be accompanied by accidents, leading to difficulties in avulsion. The aim of the study was to evaluate the difficulties of avulsion of included mandibular third molars based on radio-anatomical.

Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection in two dental practices in Cameroon, over a 2-year period from 2nd January 2020 to 31th December 2022. The study included orthopantomograms of patients aged
18 and over, highlighting impacted or impacted mandibular 2nd molars, 3rd molar(s). The variables were sociodemographic, radiological data and avulsion difficulty. Avulsion difficulty was assessed using the Pederson scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS
version 25 and Cs pro 7.3.

Results: Of a total of 987 orthopantomograms observed, 247 had impacted teeth, a prevalence of 25.02%. On 225 radiographs selected, approximately 54.7% were male, with a mean age of 26.73 ±8.66 years. According to the Pell and Gregory classification,
position B (50.53%) and position II (4.08%) were found. According to Winter's classification, the third molars were in mesio-angular position (48.9%) and in horizontal position (32.22%). Extraction was judged moderate (48.46%) and difficult (37.45%) according to Pederson's difficulty score.

Conclusion: The extraction difficulty index for mandibular third molars was considered moderate and severe.