Association of mandibular third molar impaction and radiological risk predictors using orthopantomogram in a tertiary dental care centre in Kerala- A retrospective analysis

To avoid unwanted complications during the extraction of impacted mandibular teeth pre-operative investigations are required to plan the best protocol for the situation. Although 3D imaging modalities provide clear picture, because of their reduced accessibility and high cost panoramic radiography is more preferred for planning third molar extraction.: To assess and associate the pattern of mandibular third molar impactions with the associated radiological risk predictors in relation to age and sex using Orthopantomogram in a Tertiary Dental Care Centre in Kerala.This is a retrospective cross-sectional study using the digital panoramic radiographic records of subjects with impacted mandibular third molar. Data collected will be analysed using Descriptive statistics and Chi square test. Associations and differences will be considered significant when the p value less than 0.05.Out of the 710 mandibular third molar impactions, 368 (51.8%) belong to females and 342 (48.2%) belong to males. The highest frequency of impactions (73.2%) belonged to the 20-24-year age group. The predominant pattern of impaction was mesioangular impactions. Among the radiological risk predictors darkening of root was having the highest frequency (40%); followed by interruption of white line of canal, (34.9%). The radiological signs when correlated with pattern of impaction, shows statistically significant results associated with darkening of root and deflection of root. There was statistically significant results when radiological signs were correlated with sex, in the case of narrowing of root even though darkening of the root accounted for the most common radiological risk predictor in both sexes.Mesioangular impactions are the most common impaction in our study population. The largest number of impactions belonged to the 20-24 age group. The most frequent radiological risk predictor as per the study is darkening of the root.