Prevalence of impacted mandibular third molars in the Mtwalume district in KZN

Abstract

Introduction An impacted tooth is an abnormal dental occurrence, which frequently requires a surgical procedure for removal. Mandibular third molars (M3s) are the most frequently impacted teeth, with little information on the associated causes, patterns and radiographic pathology amongst the South African population. Aims and objectives The aim and objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence, type of impactions and identified radiographic analysis of pathology associated with impacted mandibular M3s in the Mtwalume population of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Materials and Methods The study sample comprised of 97 patients that presented to the dental clinic at Turton Community Health Centre. Lateral oblique radiographs were analysed for the presence and type of impactions, using Winters (1926) classification. The presence of apical or coronal radiographic pathology amongst different age groups was identified. All impacted mandibular M3s were classified according to these parameters. Results The study sample had a male to female ratio of 1:1.4. The overall prevalence of impacted mandibular M3s was 1.02%. The leading age interval was found between 21-30 years. Mesioangular (59.8%) type of impaction was the most common. No significant difference was found between the types of angulation and associated age groups. The leading associated radiographic pathology was caries (39.5%) and the least prevalent pathologies were radiopaque lesions (3.9%) and pericoronal radiolucent lesions (2.3%). A significant difference was found between the angulation of impaction and the specific radiographic pathology such as caries, periodontal bone loss, root resorption and apical radiolucent lesions. Conclusion The study showed that impacted mandibular third M3s have a prevalence of 1.02%, which differs from the literature that has shown higher incidence rates among different population groups. Although the study sample from this population was small, one can extrapolate that is a common condition. Furthermore, the study showed that there seems to be a correlation between certain types of angulations (mesioangular and horizontal) and associated pathology (caries, root resorption) The overall distribution of pathology associated with impacted teeth was recorded the highest for caries. This shows an area of concern in oral health education and prevention programs in the area. For this reason, it is recommended that public institutions develop specific screening programs to identify impacted M3s, before severe symptoms or potential pathology develop.