STUDY OF THE IMPACTED THIRD MOLARS IN PANORAMIC RADIOGRAPHY

Abstract

Third molars present the highest frequency of unerupted teeth, followed by the upper canines and supernumerary teeth. Generally, the presence of these teeth, under stagnant circumstances, is verified by performing a panoramic radiography. In view of this, the last molars can be grouped according to the classifications proposed by Winter and Pell & Gregory. The present study evaluated the frequency of the positions of impacted third molars in relation to the classifications of Winter and Pell & Gregory, in a subpopulation of the northern region of Brazil. A retrospective, descriptive study was carried out using panoramic radiographs of adult patients of a School of Dentistry in the northern region of Brazil. The results showed 500 images (62.1%) of the female gender and 305 (37.9%) of the male gender. Of the total of impacted third molars observed, 1,334 were found in the maxilla and 1316 in the mandible, being more common on the right side (1,359) than on the left side (1,291). It is concluded that the highest frequency of third molars was observed in female; the most common position of the upper third molars was vertical, and mesioangular in the lower ones.