Research Information System
Selcuk Dental Journal, vol.12, no.1, pp.64-70, 2025 (Scopus)
Background: Teeth are referred to as impacted/mucosa retention impacted when they cannot reach the expected coronal level in occlusion within the expected eruption period due to adjacent teeth on the eruption path, surrounding bone or soft tissue, or different anomalies. They are directly or indirectly linked to various disorders in the dentomaxillofacial region, including caries. The aims of this study are to assess the frequency of impacted third molars and to examine their association with caries formation on the distal surface of adjacent second molars. Methods: Panoramic radiographs of 705 patients meeting inclusion criteria were analyzed to assess the prevalence and positioning of impacted third molars. The study employed Pell & Gregory (for classify depth of impacted third molar and retromandibular space to anterior border of mandibular ramus) and Winter (impacted third molar relative to second molar) classification systems to classify impacted teeth. Chi square and Z tests were used to evaluate the obtained data. Results: While vertical angulation has highest rate among angulation types, position C and class 2 were most prevalent types according to Pell & Gregory classification. Statistical analysis revealed a significant association between horizontal angulation and position A with caries occurrence on the distal surface of second molars. Conclusion: In terms of preventive dentistry, it may be recommended to extract horizontally or mesioangularly positioned third molars, and also those in A position, to prevent the formation of caries in the second molars.