Correlationof Mandibular Second Molar Caries with Patterns of Mandibular Third Molar Impaction: A retrospective study

OBJECTIVESThe aim of this study was to evaluate the relation of distal caries of second molar with patterns of impacted third molar.METHODOLOGYA retrospective study was carried out from January 2017 to June 2017.A total of 160 patients and 276 impacted teeth were selected with an age > 18 years. A single researcher assigned the diagnosis of caries and patterns of impacted teeth through clinical notes and orthopantomogram(OPG)which was reviewed by Head of Department. Winter’s and Pell and Gregory classification was used for impaction classification. The data was analyzed using SPSS 22.0 version. P ≤ 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.RESULTSFemale (56.3%) were predominant than male (43.8%) with mean age presentation was 24.2 ± 4.7 years.271 mandibular second molars were present. Vertical (64.5%) impaction was found to be the most frequent followed by mesioangular (19.6%). Pearson correlation showed that vertical impaction was significantly related to distal caries of second molar(Right side, r=.262 p=.002 and Left side, r=.240 p=.006).CONCLUSIONVertical impaction was positively related with distal caries therefore prophylactic removal of lower impacted teeth is recommended