Radiographic profile of symptomatic impacted mandibular third molars in the Western Cape, South Africa

Magister Scientiae Dentium - MSc(Dent)It is common practice to remove impacted mandibular third molars due to pathology associated with these impactions. Alternatively, impactions can be treated conservatively through a closely guarded follow-up regiment. However, many symptoms associated with impacted third molars may be prevented by elective removal of potentially problematic teeth. To determine the risk of developing pathology associated with impacted mandibular third molars, a ransom sample of 200 pantomographs were analyzed displaying 324 impactions from patients who presented for treatment at the Maxillo-Facial and Oral Surgery Department, Faculty of Dentistry, University of the Western Cape.South Afric