ANALYSIS OF FREQUENCY OF COMMON PATHOLOGIES ASSOCIATED WITH MANDIBULAR THIRD MOLAR TEETH

Introduction: Although recent studies have investigated the benefits of prophylactic extraction of impacted mandibular third molars (IMTMs), the indications for this procedure remain controversial because surgical extraction can result in numerous complications, including nerve damage, infection, and impaired healing in older patients. Aims and objectives: The basic aim of the study is to analyze the frequency of common pathologies associated with mandibular third molar teeth. Material and methods: This study was conducted at Punjab dental hospital, Lahore during 2017 to 2018. 100 patients of both genders was selected for this study. The decision on extraction was made by patients after being informed of surgical risks such as nerve damage, infection, and delayed healing. The patients were also informed about the potential risk of un extracted IMTMs. Results: The prevalence of cysts or tumors was considerably higher among the male patients than among the female patients, although it should be considered that the number of male patients that underwent extraction of IMTMs was higher than that of female patients (1.32:1). Of the 100 lesions, 75 (76.4 %) were diagnosed as dentigerous cysts, 31 (17.6 %) as keratocystic odontogenic tumors, and 10 (5.7 %) as ameloblastomas. Conclusion: It is concluded that IMTMs in old aged patients more than 50 years old has high possibilities of developing cyst or tumors especially in male patients