Impacted third molars and associated pathology in Jordanian patients

The objective of this study was to assess the status of impacted third molars and to determine the frequency and type of pathological conditions associated with these impacted teeth. The study consisted of 600 patients who were referred to the Oral Surgery Clinic for consultation, diagnosis, and treatment for partially, or completely impacted third molars of the mandible and maxilla. The age range of patients was between 17 and 70 years. Clinical and radiographic examinations were carried out. The results showed that approximately 40.4% of the patients had all the four third molars impacted, 26.4% had three third molars impacted, 21.8% had two third molars impacted, while 10.9% had one third molar impacted. Male to female ratio was 4.6 to 5.4. The mandible accounted for 60.6% and the maxilla 39.4% where 43.4% were in mesioangular position, 30.3% in vertical position, 16% in distoangular positon and 10.3% horizontally. Among the patients, 62% were 20-30 years, 27% were 10-20 years and only 4% were over 40 years. Pathological conditions associated with impacted third molars were found in 37.9%. The most common condition was pericoronitis in 23.6%, followed by dental caries in 7.9%