Radiologic variables of clinical significance in the extraction of impacted mandibular third molars.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine which radiologic variables have a clinical significance in the extraction of impacted mandibular third molars. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study was carried out on 100 consecutive extractions of unilateral impacted mandibular third molars (60 women and 40 men, mean age 26.27 +/- 10.63 years). Fourteen radiologic variables were ordinally evaluated, establishing their relation to the surgical intervention time. The Kruskal-Wallis test, a multivariant analysis of the principal components, the Pearson correlation coefficient, and logistical regression tests were carried out. RESULTS: Seven variables (occlusal plane, relation to the second molar, depth, follicle, periodontal ligament width, ramus of the mandible, and angulation) demonstrated a statistically significant relation to the surgical intervention time (Kruskal-Wallis tests, p < 0.007). Two associated variables, depth and periodontal ligament width, showed the most powerful and simple relation to the surgical intervention time (r2 multiple = 0.307, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The model we propose is a tool that may help the general practitioner to establish competence in an extraction of the impacted mandibular third molar by measuring the association of two radiologic variables depth and periodontal ligament width.