Radiographic Assessment Regarding the Pattern of Third Molar Impaction and its Association with Gender in the Population of Islamabad

Abstract Objective: To analyze and document the gender-specific incidence of impacted third molars and elucidate the specific patterns associated with impacted third molars. Methodology: This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed orthopantomograms (OPG) data from 278 patients, covering a total of 445 impacted third molars. A convenient sampling technique was used and the study was completed in three months from September 2023 and December 2023, Inclusion criteria: OPGs of individuals aged 25 years or older with fully formed third molar roots, Exclusion criteria: OPGs of individuals younger than 25, with craniofacial anomalies, prior orthodontic treatment, erupted third molars, or incomplete root formation in third molars. Results: Both males and females were almost equal in number. The majority 73.2% of OPG showed mandibular third molar impaction while 26.8% showed maxillary third molar impaction. In the maxillary arch, the distoangular type of impaction was observed in the majority, accounting for 48.7%. In the mandibular arch, mesioangular impaction prevailed, comprising 41.7%. In the maxillary arch, a statistically significant correlation (p=0.006) was found between gender and impaction type, with females exhibiting a distinct and more prevalent impaction pattern than males. In the mandibular arch, there was no statistically significant association between gender and impaction type (p=0.23). Conclusion: In conclusion, our study reveals noteworthy gender variations in the prevalence and types of third molar impactions. Mandibular third molars exhibit a higher prevalence than maxillary counterparts, with mesioangular impaction prevailing in the mandibular arch and distoangular impaction in the maxillary arch.