Effect of non-erupted 3rd molars on distal roots and supporting structures of approximal teeth. A radiographic survey of 202 cases.
Root resorption of 2nd molars in proximity to non-erupted 3rd molars has been widely reported. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of root resorption in second molars adjacent to non-erupted third molars. Its association to age and gender of the patient, location and inclination of the non-erupted third molar and to distal bone support of the 2nd molars was analyzed. A radiographic survey of 202 periapical radiographs taken in patients with clinically missing third molars was conducted. 3 examiners independently evaluated the radiographs and only those cases where at least 2 observers agreed were included in this report. Statistical analysis was performed on 186 radiographs. Associations were analyzed with the Pearson chi 2 test. Radiographic evidence of root resorption was found in 45 2nd molars (24.2%) of which 12 (6.5%) showed moderate to complete root resorption. Non-erupted tooth apical position and mesio-inclination of 60 degrees or more relative to the distal root of the second molar were significantly associated with root resorption (p = 0.01368 and p = 0.0194, respectively). Resorption was positively associated with age of patient (p = 0.00606). These results may support early extraction of impacted 3rd molars especially in cases with a mesio-angulation of 60 degrees or more and an apical location in proximity to the distal root of the 2nd molar.
Nemcovsky
C E
CE
Section of Periodontology, Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
Libfeld
H
H
Zubery
Y
Y
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D001862:Bone Resorption / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D003795:Dental Sac / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008963:Molar / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D015588:Observer Variation; D010483:Periapical Diseases / Q000150:complications; D010513:Periodontal Ligament / Q000473:pathology; D015995:Prevalence; D011859:Radiography; D012390:Root Canal Therapy; D012391:Root Resorption / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D012737:Sex Factors; D014081:Tooth Extraction; D014097:Tooth, Unerupted / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging