Impacted Third Molar Induced Distal Caries in Mandibular Second Molars: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Introduction:

Impaction refers to a pathological condition in which a tooth is unable to achieve its usual and functional position. The aetiology of impaction is diverse and influenced by multiple factors. Notable challenges linked to impacted teeth encompass issues like trismus, infection, as well as involving cervical caries in second molars.

Aim:

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of distal caries in second molar teeth due to impacted third molars, while also undertaking a comparative analysis with analogous research conducted in different geographical locations.

Materials and Methods:

This study included an evaluation of individuals who sought dental treatment at the Government Dental College & Hospital, Hyderabad during the period spanning from July 2021 to June 2023. Employing a retrospective cross-sectional approach, the study includes an extensive dataset of 2245 Orthopantomograms (OPGs). The collected information was meticulously transcribed and recorded within an Excel spreadsheet. A comprehensive descriptive analysis was conducted and the outcomes were figuratively presented through frequency tables and graphical representations.

Results:

Out of the included patient pool of 2245 impacted third molars, 23.25% of patients with impacted third molars exhibited instances of distal cervical caries affecting the adjacent second molars. Among the various types of impactions, mesioangular impaction emerged as the most prevalent, closely trailed by horizontal impaction, both contributing to the development of distal caries in second molars. Notably, the age bracket of 20 to 30 years and the male gender exhibited a higher prevalence of distal caries in second molar teeth attributed to the presence of impacted third molars.

Conclusion:

Among patients who presented with impacted mandibular third molars, a substantial proportion, accounting for 23.25%, exhibited occurrences of distal cervical caries affecting their adjacent second molars. Noteworthy determinants linked to the development of distal caries in second molar teeth due to impacted third molars included the prevalence of the mesioangular impaction type, the male gender, and individuals within the age group of 20 to 30 years.

Keywords: Distal caries, Impaction, Radiographic study