A preliminary radiographic study of mandibular para-radicular third molar radiolucencies.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the frequency and describe a poorly documented radiographically observed variation of normal associated with the roots of mandibular third molars--the mandibular third molar para-radicular radiolucency (MPR).


METHODS
A systematic random sample of 822 dental school surgery and emergency charts was reviewed for radiographic evidence of the MPR. The frequency was determined and the variation in radiographic appearance was described. Clinical signs and symptoms were correlated with the presence of an MPR.


RESULTS
The frequency of the MPR was 7.8% with a female-to-male ratio of 2.6:1.0. Of 6 bilateral cases (9.4%) all occurred in female patients. The most common location was the distal surface of the mandibular third molar. Most (58.6%) were oval in shape.


CONCLUSIONS
This radiographic finding most likely represents a variation of normal anatomy and based on this retrospective study does not appear to require treatment.
Bohay
Richard N
RN
School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry,University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada. rbohay@uwo.ca
Mara
Thomas W
TW
Sawula
Kurtis W
KW
Lapointe
Henry J
HJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible; D008875:Middle Aged; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging