Prevalence of positions and degree of surgical difficulty in lower third molars: a retrospective radiographic study

Abstract

Aim: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of the mandibular third molars position in according to the Winter and Pell & Gregory classification, and to determine the levels of difficulty for exodontia through the Pederson index. Materials and Methods: Radiographic, cross-sectional and retrospective study evaluated 100 panoramic radiographs of patients between 15 and 61 years old, from dental records seen at the Oral Surgery department in the period from 2015 to 2017. The panoramic radiographs were evaluated using ImageJ software regarding the positioning of the lower third molars by the Winter and Pell & Gregory classification, while the level of difficulty was evaluated by the Pederson index. The results obtained were submitted to descriptive statistical analysis. Results: The highest prevalence of included third molars was observed in women, with an age average of 26 years. Regarding the position of the included teeth, the vertical position (44.0%), level A (74.7%), and class III (69.9%) were the most prevalent. In the Pederson scale, the “very difficult” surgical difficulty was the most found. Discussion: results suggest establishing better surgical planning and prognosis for patients, minimizing the possibility of complications during and after extractions of mandibular third molars. Conclusion: Both classifications help the dental surgeon to establish better planning and prognosis for patients. The applicability of panoramic radiographs, associated with clinical evaluation, justifies a fewer possibility of complications in the lower third molar post-extraction.

Keywords

• cirurgia bucal
• dente incluso
• diagnóstico por imagem
• radiografia panorâmica.