Prevalence and patterns of third molar impaction among Ethiopians in Addis Ababa: a retrospective pilot study.

Tooth impaction is a condition in which a tooth does not reach its normal position and is often observed in the third mandibular molar due to inadequate space. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and configuration of the impacted third molars with an emphasis on angular orientations in a sample of the Ethiopian population. This cross-sectional study included a retrospective analysis of 291 patient records and orthopantomography data from the archives of a private dental clinic in Addis Ababa, during the study period from December 2020 to November 2022. Demographic details and data on the position and level of the impacted third molars were evaluated using the Winter classification. Data were analyzed for frequency distribution. The prevalence of impacted third molars was 22% (n = 64), with a greater incidence on the right side (60.9%) and a higher frequency in the mandible (67.2%). Vertical angulation (32.8%), followed by mesioangular angulation (31.2%), was the most common impaction pattern. The results highlight the need for improved treatment protocols for third molar impaction, emphasizing the prevalence in the mandible and the importance of addressing vertical impaction. Regular dental check-ups are essential for assessing third molar impaction and planning appropriate management. These data can inform policymaking and treatment considerations for impacted third molars in the Ethiopian population.

Prevalence of impacted third molars: a radiographic study among a North African population.

INTRODUCTION: Third molars are the most commonly concerned teeth with the impaction. Impacted third molar (ITM) can be associated to various clinical pathologies Aim: To determine the prevalence of ITM, its pattern and associated affections in Tunisian patients. METHODS: The study reviewed panoramic radiographs of patients consulting the Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital, Monastir (Tunisia). Orthopantomograms were analyzed to define the prevalence of ITM; its angulation, depth and relation with the anterior border of mandibular ramus. Associated pathologies were also assessed. RESULTS: Seven hundred and thirty patients were included (286 men and 444 women). The age ranged from 19 to 89 years. Half of the patients (50.3%) showed at least one ITM. The total number of ITM was 881 with a statistical difference between arches (respectively 34.3% and 65.7% in the maxilla and in the mandible). The most common number of ITM was two (35.4%). Level C of impaction was observed more frequently in the maxilla and level A in the mandible. The most common angulation was the vertical one for both arches. Seventy six percent of ITM were presented with class II in relation with the anterior border of mandibular ramus. There was no significant difference in the frequency of impaction between gender and sides. The number of ITM associated with pathological conditions was 199 (22.6%). The most frequently observed pathology was the distal caries on the second molars (11.7%) followed by the caries of the third molars (5.2%). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of ITM among Tunisian patients was high.

The relationship of the position of mandibular third molar impaction with the development of dental and periodontal lesions in adjacent second molars.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different positions of Mandibular third molar impaction teeth on dental and periodontal lesions of mandibular second molars and correlate the lesion severity with patient age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study assessed 212 CBCT images of patients who visited the department of Oral and Maxillofacial radiology of XX university between 2017 and 2021. Periodontal and dental lesion effects of impacted third molars on mandibular second molars were evaluated. While dental lesions were classified as mild, moderate, and severe, periodontal lesions were classified as mild in cases not exceeding 2/3 of the root, and severe in cases exceeding 2/3 of the root. Pearson's chi-square tests, Mann-Whitney U or Kruskal-Wallis test were used for data analsis. A multivariate logistic regression model was constructed for further analysis. RESULTS: Periodontal lesions were frequently observed in the second molar adjacent to the third molar (157 teeth, 74.1%), dental lesions were observed in 10%. Among the third molar positions, the mesioangular position was associated with a high (88%) prevalence of periodontal lesions (p<0.001), followed by the horizontal position (71%). The periodontal lesion was more severe in cases 30-39 years old and over 40 years old than in cases under 20 years old and 21-24 years old. Distoangular, horizontal and vertical/inverse positions are less likely to increase the severity of the periodontal lesion than the mesioangular position. (OR = 0.02; p <0.001, OR = 0.28; p =0.008, OR = 0.14; p <0.001,respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The third molars are often impacted in the mesioangular position, and this position most increases the risk of periodontal infection in the second molars. Accurate diagnosis and evaluation can minimize complications, and CBCT is a reliable imaging technique in which the position of the third molars and their relationship with the 2nd molars can be evaluated.

Prevalence, etiology, clinical features and management associated with impacted and transmigrated mandibular canines: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of mandibular canine impaction and/ or transmigration is a rare clinical entity but diagnosis and treatment planning is of clinical significance. The associated etiological factors and the clinical guidelines for the management are still not clear. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the available data to report the prevalence and identify the etiological factors, clinical features, and various treatment outcomes in patients with mandibular canine impaction and/or transmigration. METHODS: The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021222566) and was conducted and reported according to the PRISMA and Cochrane Handbook / Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. A computerized search of studies published up to April 30, 2023, was conducted using the following databases: Medline, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, Web of Science, and Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature. A manual search of the reference and citation lists of eligible articles and existing systematic reviews for any additions were also conducted. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale quality assessment tool was used to assess the studies' quality. RESULTS: After removing 6 duplicates, 3700 articles were identified. For the final analysis, 19 studies published between 1985 and 2023 met all the eligibility criteria and were included. A total of 7 studies presented as good and 12 studies presented as satisfactory. Patients were screened in ten studies and diagnostic records from archives were retrieved in nine studies. The total number of diagnostic records screened was 138.394, and the total number of patients from the included studies was 43.127. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings from this systematic review, the prevalence of mandibular canine impaction ranged from 0.008% to 1.29% while canine transmigration from 0.12% to 0.98%. Crowding of the mandibular arch, the presence of a retained deciduous canine, and odontoma or cyst are the etiological factors more commonly associated with mandibular canine impaction and or transmigration. Surgical extraction and surgical exposure followed by orthodontic traction are the two most frequently carried out treatment modalities in the management of mandibular canine impaction and or transmigration.

Associations across 22 dental and craniovertebral anomalies or variations, sagittal skeletal relationships, and vertical growth patterns: a comprehensive epidemiological study of 43 dentoskeletal traits.

INTRODUCTION: Despite researchers' recent interest in identifying links between some dental and craniovertebral abnormalities, there are many important, unassessed gaps in our knowledge of this matter. In addition, previous samples were small. This large study aimed to examine, for the first time, the occurrence/severity of numerous dental and skeletal anomalies or variations and their correlations with each other and with growth patterns. METHODS: This epidemiological study was conducted on pretreatment radiographs of 1194 patients from 3 cities (815 females). Skeletal sagittal skeletal relationships and vertical growth patterns were determined. The occurrence/severity were assessed for: cervical vertebral fusion (CVF), atlas posterior arch deficiency (APAD), ponticulus posticus (PP), sella turcica bridging (STB), hypodontia, oligodontia, hyperdontia, missing of maxillary laterals, microdontia, macrodontia, root dilaceration, odontoma, taurodontism, dental fusion, dental gemination, enamel pearl, permanent molar ankylosis, primary molar ankylosis, dens in dente, dens invaginatus, dental impaction, ectopic eruption, and dental transposition. Incidental findings were recorded as well. Concurrent anomalies, sex dimorphism, and correlations across variables were examined statistically, adjusting for the false discovery rate (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Prevalence was calculated for 43 dentoskeletal traits/anomalies (22 abnormalities/variations [plus their severities/types] as well as 21 incidentally found traits/anomalies). Dental impaction may be more common in hyperdivergent and severer cases of sella bridging; also, primary molar ankylosis was associated with missing teeth. Dental impaction was associated only with STB and not with PP, APAD, or vertebral fusion. The only association observed among the four skeletal anomalies was seen between APAD and CVF. Merely the variables 'sagittal skeletal relationships, vertical growth patterns, PP, and APAD' showed sexual dimorphism; of these, only vertical growth pattern and APAD remained sexually dimorphic after adjusting for the FDR; still, the other two remained marginally significant and worth further evaluations. Sex dimorphism did not exist in concurrent abnormalities. The skeletal Class III was associated with the concurrent occurrence of craniovertebral, dental, and dentoskeletal abnormalities. Skeletal Class I was associated with fewer occurrences of concurrent dental anomalies. Vertical growth patterns were not associated with concurrent dental or dentoskeletal anomalies. However, the hyperdivergent pattern was associated with fewer cases of concurrent craniovertebral abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: STB and hyperdivergent pattern were associated with dental impaction. However, APAD, CVF, or PP were not associated with dental impaction. APAD was associated with CVF. Sexual dimorphism existed conclusively in the case of vertical growth patterns and APAD. Concurrent abnormalities (dental, skeletal, and dentoskeletal) were associated with skeletal Class III.

Predictive and Relative factors of Dental Anxiety among Third Molar Disimpaction Patients in a Northern Nigerian Hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Various factors influence the expression of dental anxiety (DA) among patients. Knowledge of these factors may aid the management of mandibular third molar (M3) dis-impaction patients. AIM: The study aimed to determine the predictive and relative factors of DA among Mandibular third molar (M3) dis-impaction patients at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano, Nigeria. METHODOLOGY: The study was a cross-sectional type conducted at the Oral Surgery clinic of AKTH, Kano among M3 dis-impaction patients between September 2016 and August 2017. Biodata and information on the past dental history of the participants were collected and recorded. The level of anxiety of participants was assessed with the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS). Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for windows (IBM SPSS statistic version 23). The significance level in the study was set at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: One hundred and sixteen patients comprising 62(55.2%) males and 54(44.8%) females were recruited. The sample's median age was 27 years and the majority of the participants were students (n=49,42.2%). The participants' MDAS scores ranged from 5 to 22 with a median score of 11. Females (median MDAS score of 12.50) were significantly (p<0.0001) more anxious than males (median MDAS score of 9.00). Bivariate analysis showed statistically significant differences in DA of the categories of the following independent variables - gender (p<0.0001), ethnicity (p=0.041), occupational status (p=0.044), previous surgical extraction experience (p=0.006), previous bad dental treatment experience (p<0.0001) and history of postponement of dental treatment due to anxiety(p<0.0001). Binary logistic regression analysis with these variables as independent predictors of DA showed that only gender (p=0.013) and previous surgical extraction experience (p=0.042) had statistically significant odds of predicting dental anxiety among the patients. Females had significantly higher odds of being anxious than males [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 4.180, 95% Confidence Interval (CI)=1.359 to 12.852] and patients with previous surgical extraction experience had higher odds of being anxious than those without surgical extraction experience [adjusted OR=3.65, 95% CI=1.02 to 13.03]. CONCLUSION: The predictors of DA in the study are female gender and previous surgical extraction experience. These and other DA-related factors such as patients' occupation and previous bad dental treatment experiences should be considered preoperatively to identify and manage anxious M3 dis-impaction patients.

INTRODUCTION: Divers facteurs influencent l'expression de l'anxiété dentaire (AD) chez les patients. La connaissance de ces facteurs peut aider à la prise en charge des patients subissant l'extraction des troisièmes molaires mandibulaires (M3). OBJECTIF: L'étude visait à déterminer les facteurs prédictifs et relatifs de l'AD chez les patients subissant l'extraction des troisièmes molaires mandibulaires (M3) à l'Hôpital Universitaire Aminu Kano (AKTH) de Kano, au Nigeria. MÉTHODOLOGIE: L'étude était de type transversal et a été menée à la clinique de chirurgie buccale de l'AKTH, à Kano, auprès de patients subissant l'extraction des M3 entre septembre 2016 et août 2017. Les données biométriques et les antécédents dentaires des participants ont été recueillis et enregistrés. Le niveau d'anxiété des participants a été évalué à l'aide de l'Échelle d'Anxiété Dentaire Modifiée (MDAS). Les données ont été analysées à l'aide du logiciel Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) pour Windows (version IBM SPSS 23). Le seuil de signification de l'étude a été fixé à p ≤ 0,05. RÉSULTATS: Cent seize patients, dont 62 (55,2 %) hommes et 54 (44,8 %) femmes, ont été recrutés. L'âge médian de l'échantillon était de 27 ans et la majorité des participants étaient des étudiants (n=49, 42,2 %). Les scores MDAS des participants variaient de 5 à 22, avec un score médian de 11. Les femmes (score MDAS médian de 12,50) étaient significativement (p<0,0001) plus anxieuses que les hommes (score MDAS médian de 9,00). L'analyse bivariée a montré des différences statistiquement significatives dans l'AD des catégories des variables indépendantes suivantes : le sexe (p<0,0001), l'ethnicité (p=0,041), le statut professionnel (p=0,044), l'expérience d'extraction chirurgicale antérieure (p=0,006), l'expérience antérieure de mauvais traitement dentaire (p<0,0001) et l'histoire du report du traitement dentaire en raison de l'anxiété (p<0,0001). L'analyse de régression logistique binaire avec ces variables comme prédicteurs indépendants de l'AD a montré que seul le sexe (p=0,013) et l'expérience d'extraction chirurgicale antérieure (p=0,042) avaient des cotes de prédiction statistiquement significatives de l'anxiété dentaire chez les patients. Les femmes avaient des chances significativement plus élevées d'être anxieuses que les hommes [rapport de cotes ajusté (OR) = 4,180, intervalle de confiance à 95 % (IC) = 1,359 à 12,852] et les patients ayant déjà subi une extraction chirurgicale avaient des chances plus élevées d'être anxieux que ceux n'ayant pas d'expérience d'extraction chirurgicale [OR ajusté = 3,65, IC à 95 % = 1,02 à 13,03]. CONCLUSION: Les facteurs prédictifs de l'AD dans l'étude sont le sexe féminin et l'expérience antérieure d'extraction chirurgicale. Ces facteurs liés à l'AD et d'autres facteurs tels que l'occupation des patients et les expériences antérieures de mauvais traitement dentaire devraient être pris en compte en préopératoire pour identifier et prendre en charge les patients anxieux subissant l'extraction des M3. Mots-clés: anxiété dentaire, facteurs, troisième molaire, extraction.

Effect of impaction on third molar development and age estimation-A study in a Lebanese population.

BACKGROUND: The effect of impaction on third molar development is disputable as the scientific literature is not uniform. In parallel, population-specific studies have been encouraged in dental age estimation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of impaction on third molar formation in a sample of Lebanese individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 518 panoramic radiographs of females (n=229) and males (n=289) between 15 and 23.9 years. Mandibular third molars were classified based on their position as non-impacted and impacted (with horizontal, vertical, mesioangular, and distoangular impaction). Dental development was classified according to Demirjian's 8-level staging system. RESULTS: Most teeth presented mesioangular impaction (#38=29.7%, #48=33%). Developing third molars were predominantly distributed between stages D and G. The mean age of most developmental stages was higher among impacted teeth, meaning that third molar mineralization could be slower in the presence of impaction. In general, the delayed dental development did not have statistically significant effects (P<0.05). However, descriptive data pointed out differences between (impacted and non-impacted) mean ages of >12 months-suggesting a potential clinical significance (despite the lack of a statistical one). Furthermore, differences changed based on sex and side (#38/#48). CONCLUSION: Therefore, dental age estimation from third molars in the selected Lebanese population should preferably be performed in non-impacted third molars whenever available.

Prevalence of Ectopic Canine in Different Sagittal and Vertical Skeletal Patterns.

AIM: The present investigation aims to find out the prevalence of ectopic canines among skeletal class I, II, and III malocclusions and to evaluate its variability among different genders and their growth patterns. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study sample included orthopantomograms (OPGs), lateral skull views, and study models of 999 patients collected from departmental archives. Among the selected samples, 258 were males and 738 were females. They were divided into skeletal class I, II, and III malocclusions sagittally and hypodivergent, normodivergent, and hyperdivergent groups according to their angle formed between point A-Nasion - point B (ANB) and angle formed between the Sella-Nasion (SN) plane and Gonion (Go) - Gnathion (Gn) plane (SnGoGn) values respectively. RESULTS: Of the 999 samples, 738 (73.9%) were female and 260 (25.8%) were male patients. When compared to men, females had a higher proportion of ectopic canines. An estimated 62.3% of skeletal class I, 29.1% of skeletal class II, and 8.6% of skeletal class III cases were found to have ectopic canines. An estimated 720 (72.1%) patients were found to have maxillary ectopic canines and out of the available sample, 474 patients have horizontal growth patterns, 335 have average growth patterns and 190 patients have vertical growth patterns. Labial impaction was the commonest (65.4%) followed by palatal (24.8%). Bilateral impaction was comparatively more (51.1%) than unilateral impaction (48.2%). Maxilla was more prevalent (72.1%) as compared to the mandible (16.3%) and for both the arches it was (11.6%). Ectopic canines were identified in a total of 62.3% of cases with skeletal class I, 29.1% of cases with skeletal class II, and 8.6% of cases with skeletal class III. CONCLUSION: The bilateral ectopic canine was mostly seen in skeletal class I and class III malocclusions, whereas, a unilateral presentation was mostly seen in skeletal class II malocclusions. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Knowing the likelihood of a maxillary canine erupting ectopically will aid clinicians in starting with interceptive therapy since this condition necessitates complex orthodontic mechanics.

The findings of impacted and transmigrated maxillary and mandibular canines: a retrospective cone beam computed tomography study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine and evaluate the maxillary and mandibular impacted and transmigrant canines, their relationship with neighboring tissues and pathology with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: CBCT data of 217 patients, between January 2018 and December 2019, with a total of 293 impacted canines were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical records were also evaluated. Maxillary or mandibular localization, angulations, transmigration, lateral and premolar tooth resorption, apical dilacerations, pathological formations, presence of persistent deciduous canines and treatment methods were investigated. RESULTS: For 293 impacted canines, 237 were in the maxilla and 56 in the mandible, with this difference being statistically significant (P<0.05). Among the 293 impacted canines, 14 (4.8%) transmigrated canines were detected. From the 14 transmigrant canines, 13 were in the mandible and 1 was in the maxilla. This difference was found statistically significant (P<0.05). Eighteen dentigerous cysts (10 maxilla, 8 mandible) and 4 odontomas (3 maxilla, 1 mandible) were found in impacted canines. For a total of 293 impacted canines, 57 were extracted, 13 were referred to orthodontics and a follow-up decision was made for 223 teeth. CONCLUSIONS: Transmigration incidence is statistically significant, on a higher area of the lower jaw, compared to the upper jaw (P<0.05). In patients with impacted canines, taking CBCT together with a detailed clinical examination is effective in correct treatment planning and in minimizing complications that may occur during surgical extraction.

Incidental Pathologic Findings from Orthodontic Pretreatment Panoramic Radiographs.

Panoramic radiography is frequently performed for new patients, follow-ups and treatment in progress. This enables dental clinicians to detect pathology, view important structures, and assess developing teeth. The objective of the study was to determine prevalence of incidental pathologic findings (IPFs) from orthodontic pretreatment panoramic radiographs at a university dental hospital. A retrospective cross-sectional review was conducted of pretreatment panoramic radiographs, using data collection sheets with predefined criteria. Demographic data and abnormalities (impacted teeth, widening of periodontal ligament, pulp stones, rotated teeth, missing teeth, unerupted teeth, crowding, spacing, supernumerary teeth, and retained deciduous teeth) were reviewed. SPSS 28.0 was used to analyze data with statistical tests set at a 5% significance level. Results: One hundred panoramic radiographs were analyzed with an age range of 7 to 57 years. The prevalence of IPFs was 38%. A total of 47 IPFs were detected with altered tooth morphology predominantly (n = 17). Most IPFs occurred in males (55.3%), with 44.7% in females. A total of 49.2% were in the maxilla and 50.8% in the mandible. This difference was statistically significant (p < 0.0475). Other abnormalities were detected in 76% of panoramic radiographs; 33 with IPFs and 43 without. A total of 134 other abnormalities detected showed predominantly impacted teeth (n = 49). Most of these abnormalities were in females (n = 77). Conclusions: The prevalence of IPFs was 38%, predominated by altered tooth morphology, idiopathic osteosclerosis, and periapical inflammatory lesions. Detection of IPFs from panoramic radiographs underscored the importance for clinicians to examine them for comprehensive diagnosis and treatment planning, especially in orthodontics.

The prevalence of developmental dental and eruption anomalies assessed using panoramic radiographs: a retrospective study.

Developmental dental anomalies are a common finding in adolescent populations. The objective of this study was to utilize panoramic radiographs to determine the prevalence of dental anomalies and developmental disturbances in a heterogenous adolescent orthodontic patient population seeking care at a North American orthodontic residency program. A total of 1042 panoramic radiographs of 457 male and 585 female orthodontic patients aged 10 to 18 years were evaluated. Developmental and eruption anomalies were recorded and categorized, and chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used for statistical analysis. The evaluation revealed that 40.88% of patients had at least 1 anomalous finding. The most common finding overall was agenesis (12.00%), followed by deviations in eruption path (9.12%), delayed eruption (7.39%), and impaction (7.29%). There was no difference in the prevalence of having any anomalous finding or the prevalence of any specific category of anomalies based on the sex or Angle classification of the patients. Comparison of developmental dental anomalies in 3 age groups (10 to 12, 13 to 15, or 16 to 18 years) revealed no statistically significant difference in the overall prevalence of anomalous findings. Statistically significant differences for some specific categories of anomalies were explainable by correlating dental development with chronologic age, such as a greater frequency of blocked out teeth and eruption path deviation among patients aged 10 to 12 years. Black patients were found to have a significantly greater prevalence of impactions (P = 0.030), and Asian patients had a significantly greater prevalence of anomalies categorized as "other pathology," which could not be definitively diagnosed by panoramic radiograph alone (P = 0.007).

Prevalence of second molar external root resorption caused by mandibular third molars: a CBCT study.

The aims of this study were to use cone beam computed tomographic (CBCT) scans to assess the prevalence of second molar external root resorption (ERR) caused by impacted mandibular third molars and to associate the location and severity of ERR with the third molar position using 2 classification systems-1 proposed by Pell and Gregory and the other proposed by Winter. In this cross-sectional study, 2 calibrated observers evaluated a total of 107 CBCT scans (71 female and 36 male patients). After the presence or absence of ERR was determined, ERR was classified according to its location (cervical, middle, apical third, or root apex) and severity (mild, moderate, or severe resorption). The data were assessed with the Pearson chi-square test, the chi-square test for linear trend, and Poisson regression analysis. The significance level was set at P < 0.05. The prevalence of second molar ERR in the sample as a whole was 47.7% (n = 51). The prevalence was significantly higher (69.4%) for male patients (P = 0.002; Pearson chi-square test). The probability that ERR would affect the second molar was 1.71 times greater when the third molar exhibited the Pell and Gregory class IC position (95% CI, 1.27-2.31) and 1.64 times greater when the third molar exhibited the Winter mesioangular position (95% CI, 1.38-1.95). There was a statistically significant association between ERR location and severity; the cervical third was the most affected by mild ERR and the middle third was the most affected by severe ERR. The prevalence of mandibular second molar ERR caused by impacted third molars is high, especially in male patients. Mandibular third molars in the Pell and Gregory class IC position or Winter mesioangular position demonstrated greater potential to result in ERR of the adjacent second molar.

Dental anomalies in an Albanian orthodontic sample: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the prevalence and the distribution of dental anomalies in an Albanian orthodontic sample. METHODS: For this retrospective study, a sample of panoramic radiographs (PR) of n. 779 (456 F and 323 M, mean age of 15.1 ± 5.5 years) Albanian subjects with no genetic syndromes or craniofacial malformations (e.g., cleft lip/palate), history of extraction, trauma or previous orthodontic treatment drawn from the archives of the University Dental Clinic Our Lady of Good Counsel, was examined. The inclusion criteria were: subjects from 8 to 30 years of age, good quality of PRs in order to allow the assessment of crown and root development. For different dental anomalies, both the prevalence and the association were evaluated by using Chi-square test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: 24.4% of the sample had at least one dental anomaly and 4.6% had more than one. The following dental anomalies were most prevalent: hypodontia (9.8%), dental impaction (7.6%), and ectopic eruption (5.3%). No statistically significant correlation was found between males and females (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The most common anomalies in this group are found to be those of number and position, and only radiological investigations can reveal either of these anomalies. Early diagnosis of dental anomalies can contribute to prevent their complications and to establish the most suitable therapy to achieve a functional occlusion.

Oral Health Status of New Zealand Defence Force Recruits.

INTRODUCTION: The demands of operational deployment mean that defense force personnel must be dentally fit. Although medical evacuation for dental causes should be avoided, dental emergencies are a major non-combat-related contributor to withdrawal from deployment. Information on the oral health status of recruits and officer cadets entering the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is scarce, yet it is useful for service and workforce planning. We investigated oral health status and its associations in new recruits and officer cadets entering the NZDF over a 13-month period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study used data from recruits' initial dental examination (including baseline forensic charting), posterior bitewing radiographs, orthopantomograph radiograph, and a socio-dental questionnaire. The impaction status of third molar teeth was evaluated. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Otago Ethics Committee (reference number D18/200) and the NZDF Organisational Research Committee. RESULTS: Of the 874 (83%) of the 1,053 recruits (age range 17-59 years) who participated, one in five were Maori. Nearly two-thirds were Army recruits. Caries prevalence was almost 70%. Mean Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) (3.0 overall) was higher among females and Maori. Few teeth were missing due to caries. Third molars were common, seen in 745 (88.3%). One in four maxillary third molars (but only one in six mandibular ones) had fully erupted. The most common type of impaction among mandibular third molars was the mesioangular type, followed by vertical, horizontal, and distoangular. Almost 60% of recruits had one or more potentially problematic third molars. The prevalence was highest in the youngest age groups, those of medium or low socioeconomic status and in Army or Navy recruits. CONCLUSIONS: Recruits' oral health was acceptable, but potentially problematic third molars were common, indicating a need for careful assessment (and their possible removal) before operational deployment.

Is it necessary to remove bone-impacted teeth? A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: In clinical practice, it is risky to extract bone-impacted teeth and they're prone to a variety of complications, such as pathological fracture, adjacent tooth fracture, maxillary sinus perforation, and so on, making it difficult for clinicians to decide whether to extract them. PURPOSE: In order to illustrate our opinions on the possibility of extracting full third molars (M3), 360 examples of complete third molars were analyzed in this study. MATERIALS AND METHOD: We investigated 2189 patients, and 261 of them provided CBCT images of 360 teeth. assessing the degree of second molar(M2) root absorption in connection to age, impacted relationship, contact part, calculating the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval using the Logistic regression analysis equation. RESULT: Bone-impacted M3 occurred in 11.92% (261/2189) of patients with "impacted teeth" diagnoses. There was a significant difference between the occurrence of M2ERR and the contact parts (P value<0.001), and only the type of vertical impaction differed significantly from Level 3 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: 1) M3 should be removed if root resorption has not occurred in M2. 2) Root resorption is more likely to occur when M3 crown and M2 apical contact. 3) Enough experience, precise preoperative assessment can reduce the dangers to a minimum.

Mandibular Third Molar Impaction among Patients Visiting Outpatient Dental Department of a Tertiary Care Centre.

Introduction: Mandibular third molar impaction is the most common impaction as third molars are last to erupt at the age of 17-25 years. Despite its high prevalence and negative impacts, there is limited study about mandibular third molar impaction. The aim of this study is to find out the prevalence of mandibular third molar impaction among patients visiting the outpatient Dental Department of a tertiary care centre. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among patients visiting the Outpatient Dental Department of a tertiary care centre from 1 January 2023 to 30 June 2023. Ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Committee of the same institute. A total of 414 orthopantomograms were prospectively reviewed for the angulation of impaction, depth and position. The indication for extraction was recorded from patients' cards during the time of extraction. Convenience sampling method was used. The point estimate at a 95% confidence interval was calculated. Results: The prevalence of mandibular third molar impaction was 37.13% (34.29-39.97, 95% Confidence Interval). There was a high prevalence of mesioangular 344 (45.38%) pattern followed by vertical 249 (32.85%) for mandibular third molar impaction, the most commonly involved group was 20-30 years, with female 247 (59.70%) predominance. Bilateral impaction 344 (83.10%) was more prevalent than unilateral. Depth A, 639 (84.3%), ramus relation level I, 602 (79.42%) was the most common level of impaction. Recurrent pericoronitis 160 (38.6%) was the common indication for extraction followed by dental caries 145 (35%). Conclusions: The prevalence of mandibular third molar impaction was lower than other similar studies done in similar settings. Keywords: impacted tooth; pericoronitis; prevalence; third molar.

Hallazgos en radiografías panorámicas de niños entre 6 y 15 años en un hospital odontológico en Argentina / Findings in panoramic radiographs of children between 6 and 15 years at a dental hospital in Argentina

Objetivo: Describir la frecuencia y localización de pato- logías y anomalías dentarias (anomalías de número, tumores, quistes y piezas retenidas) observadas en radiografías pa- norámicas de pacientes pediátricos de entre 6 y 15 años del Hospital Zonal Especializado en Odontología Infantil "Dr. A. Bollini" de la ciudad de La Plata. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observa- cional descriptivo de 300 radiografías panorámicas, de niños (n=150) y niñas (n=150) de entre 6 y 15 años, seleccionadas aleatoriamente en el área de radiología del hospital, tomadas en el período comprendido entre marzo de 2018 y marzo de 2020. Los datos obtenidos se volcaron en planillas de cálculo y con ellos se realizó un análisis estadístico descriptivo. Se utilizaron las siguientes variables: edad, sexo, tipo de ano- malía o patología (anomalías de número, tumores, quistes y piezas retenidas), pieza dentaria y ubicación (maxilar o man- díbula). Resultados: Dentro de las anomalías registradas (n=147), se encontraron en mayor medida piezas dentarias retenidas, en un 44,22% de los casos (n=65), agenesias en un 42,18% de los casos (n=62) y supernumerarios en un 13,61% de los casos (n=20). No se hallaron quistes ni tumores. Conclusión: En un 24% de las radiografías panorámicas de niños entre 6 y 15 años se halló alguna anomalía dentaria. Las anomalías más frecuentes fueron piezas dentarias reteni- das y agenesias (AU)

Aim: To describe the frequency and location of dental pathologies and anomalies (number anomalies, tumors, cysts and retained dental pieces) observed in panoramic radio- graphs of pediatric patients between 6 and 15 years of age from the Hospital Especializado en Odontología Infantil "Dr. A. Bollini" from the city of La Plata. Materials and methods: A descriptive observational study was performed based on 300 panoramic radiographs of children (150 girls and 150 boys) between 6 and 15 years old, randomly selected in the Radiology area of the hospital, taken in the period between March 2018 and March 2020. The data obtained were entered into spreadsheets and a descriptive sta- tistical analysis was carried out. The following variables were evaluated: age, sex, type of anomaly or pathology (anomalies of number, tumor, cysts and retained dental pieces), dental piece and location (maxilla or mandible). Results: Among the registered anomalies (n=147), re- tained dental pieces were found to a greater extent, in 44.22% of the cases (n=65), agenesis in 42.18% of the cases (n=62) and supernumeraries in 13.61% of the cases (n=20). No cysts or tumors were found. Conclusion: In 24% of panoramic radiographs of chil- dren between 6 and 15 years old, some dental anomaly was found. The most frequent anomalies were retained dental pieces and agenesis (AU)

Severity and Treatment Difficulty of Impacted Maxillary Canine among Orthodontic Patients in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: The current study aimed to evaluate the severity and treatment difficulty of impacted maxillary canines and their relationship with gender, age group, and bucco-palatal position. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from 2017 to 2021. Patients' data and panoramic radiography were obtained from the orthodontic clinic at King Saud University's Dental University Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The severity factors and treatment difficulty index were used to assess the impacted maxillary canines. Statistical analyses were performed utilizing a chi-square test for categorical variables and an independent t-test for numerical variables, and a p-value of ≤0.05. RESULTS: There were 171 impacted maxillary canines in total, with a female-to-male subject ratio (11:8) and a mean age (18.7 years). Overall, 77.2% of impacted upper canines were found to be palatal. The severity of canine impaction parameters showed no significant sex or age group predilection. Buccally impacted maxillary canines were characterized by a preferable angulation to the midline, compared to the palatally impacted maxillary canines (p = 0.012). The horizontal overlap of the impacted maxillary canine cusp tip revealed a significant association with the bucco-palatal position of the impacted canine (p < 0.001). Palatal impaction was located more frequently in sectors 3 and 4. Male patients were found to have a higher total score in terms of the treatment difficulty index relative to females (p = 0.046). CONCLUSION: Despite the severity parameters having revealed no significant gender predilection, males were found to have higher treatment difficulty in maxillary canine impaction than females. The severity of the palatally impacted canine is greater than that of buccal impaction in terms of angulation to the midline and horizontal overlap.

The pattern of mandibular third molar impaction and its relationship with the development of distal caries in adjacent second molars among Emiratis: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the pattern of mandibular third molar (MTM) impaction and associated carious lesions in adjacent mandibular second molars (MSMs) in a sample of Emirati individuals. METHODS: This retrospective study assessed 2000 orthopantomograms of Emirati patients who visited the Specialized Fujairah Dental Center between 2015 and 2020. The depth, ramus relation and angulation of the impacted MTMs were assessed according to the Pell and Gregory classification and Winter's classification. In addition, carious lesions in adjacent MSMs associated with the evaluated parameters were identified. RESULTS: A total of 461 (23.05%) of the patients had at least one impacted MTM. The mean age of the study population was 26.24 years. Mesioangular, level B, and class II impactions were the most common, at 47.37% (χ2 = 382.134; p < 0.001), 45.48% (χ2 = 56.889; p < 0.001), and 74.05% (χ2 = 513.099; p < 0.001), respectively. There was a higher percentage of level C impaction among females than among males (χ2 = 19.178; p < 0.001). A total of 126 impacted teeth (18.36%) had associated carious lesions. These carious lesions were predominantly found in teeth with mesioangular impactions (χ2 = 59.430; p < 0.001), level A and B impactions (χ2 = 23.301; p < 0.001), and class II and I impactions (χ2 = 17.918; p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: It is imperative to raise awareness of soft tissue mesioangular-impacted MTMs, as they are the most frequently associated with the development of carious lesions in adjacent MSMs. Approximately one quarter of evaluated Emiratis had at least one impacted MTM, with the most prevalent pattern being class II, level B, and mesioangular impactions. Furthermore, surgical removal is expected to be more challenging for females than for males.

Comprehensive characterization of epidemiological and 3D radiographic features of non-third molar impacted teeth in a Chinese dental population.

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study aimed to comprehensively delineate the epidemiological and 3-dimensional radiographic characteristics of non-third molar (non-M3) impacted teeth in a Chinese dental population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with impacted teeth except for the third molar (ITEM3) were retrospectively screened via cone-beam CT images from 75,021 patients treated at our institution from June 2012 to December 2018. Demographic and clinical data of patients with ITEM3 were retrieved from medical records. CBCT coupled with 3-dimensional reconstruction was employed to characterize the radiographic features of ITEM3. Associations between these epidemiological, clinical, and radiographic features were further statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Among 1975 eligible patients, 2467 ITEM3s were identified with a prevalence of 2.63% (1975/75,021). Females slightly outnumbered males with a ratio of 1.12:1. The majority of ITEM3 was single (1577, 79.85%) in the maxilla. The maxillary canine teeth were the most frequently impacted (52.45%), followed by maxillary incisors. The mesioangular position was the most common orientation (43.8%), followed by vertical and buccal-lingual orientations. The most frequently associated lesion was external root resorption of the adjacent tooth, which was significantly correlated with the morphology and position of the impacted tooth. CONCLUSION: Most ITEM3 was single, mesioangular, found at maxillary canines, sometimes associated with diverse complications. Our data advance the current understanding of ITEM3 and offer insights into the management of this dental abnormality. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings are useful for clinicians to comprehensively understand the prevalence, radiographic features, and complications of non-M3 impacted teeth.