Distribution of the position of impacted third molars according to the Winter and Pell and Gregory classifications: radiographic study in the Ecuadorian population.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59334/ROV.v2i45.745Keywords:
panoramic radiograph, , third molar, unerupted tooth, impacted tooth.Abstract
Aim: To evaluate impacted third molars using panoramic radiography in patients treated at the Diagnostic Imaging Center of San Gregorio of Portoviejo University during the term 2023-2024. Methods: A retrospective study of a population of 2,545 panoramic radiographs was performed. A purposive sample of 335 was selected, in adult patients of both sexes, with at least one impacted third molar. Evaluation was performed using theWinter and Pell-Gregory classifications, the presence of radiographic findings, and proximity to adjacent anatomical structures. Results: 872 third molars were evaluated, 372 (42.66%) corresponded to male patients and 500 (57.34%) to females, most between 20 and 39 years old (56.77%). In the maxilla, Distoangular angulation prevailed in 234 (26.83%) teeth and in the mandible, Mesioangular angulation prevailed in 295 (33.83%) teeth. Position A (521 teeth, 59.74%) and Class I (721 teeth, 78.68%) were the most common in both bones. In the maxilla, the most common radiographic findings were proximity to the maxillary sinus 336 (48.35%) and radiolucent lesions 281 (40.43%), and in the mandible, radiolucent lesions were 320 (45.52%), followed by proximity to the lower dental canal, 288 (40.97%). Conclusions: Most of the third molars evaluated were observed in young, female patients. According to Winter's classification, distoangular angulation predominated in the maxilla and mesioangular angulation in the mandible. According to the Pell-Gregory classification, position A and Class I predominated in both bones.
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