Prevalence of mandibular third molar impaction and agenesis: A radiographic South Indian study

• Main Authors: Ananthalakshmi Ramamurthy, Jeya Pradha, Sathiya Jeeva, Nadeem Jeddy, J Sunitha, Selva Kumar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2012-01-01
• Series: Journal of Indian Academy of Oral Medicine and Radiology
• Subjects: Impaction; Agenesis; Mandibular third molar
• Online Access: http://www.jiaomr.in/article.asp?issn=0972-1363;year=2012;volume=24;issue=3;spage=173;epage=176;aulast=Ramamurthy

Aims and objective: To evaluate the prevalence of (i) impaction of mandibular third molar, (ii) agenesis of mandibular third molar and (iii) angulation of impaction radiographically. Materials and methods: The sample size consists of 1,005 patients above 18 years. The orthopantomograph of the patients are interpreted for eruption/pattern of impaction/agenesis of mandibular third molar. Conclusion: Bilateral impaction of mandibular third molar is common than unilateral impaction. Agenesis of mandibular third molar is seen in 122 to 12.5% of patients. Mesioangular is the commonest pattern of impaction No sex predisposition is in prevalence of impaction. Agenesis is seen more commonly in females than males.