title: Prevalence of impacted permanent mandibular second molars in South Indian population: A cross-sectional study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study is to retrospectively determine the prevalence of impacted second molars and associated dental and radiographic findings in South Indian population.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional design.
  
  
  METHODS
  Dental records of 4976 patients depending on the selection criteria from various dental clinics in South India were retrospectively analyzed in this study. All selected radiographs and records were examined by the two authors. The angle of impacted second molars was also recorded on panoramic radiographs. Data were tabulated and analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The prevalence of impacted second mandibular molars was found to be 0.16%. In seven cases, the impaction was unilateral with three on the left and four on the right, and in one case, it was bilateral. The prevalence was found to be more in females than males. The angle of impaction was found to range from 19° to 80°.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although the prevalence of impacted second molars is low, it is crucial to diagnose early for optimal treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Sri Venkateswara Dental College and Hospital, Dr. MGR Medical University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: Manali Ramakrishanan
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Srinivasan
authors.affiliation: Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Sri Venkateswara Dental College and Hospital, Dr. MGR Medical University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: Saravanan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Poorni
authors.affiliation: Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Sree Balaji Dental College and Hospital, Bharath University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: Alagarsamy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Venkatesh
authors.affiliation: Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Sri Venkateswara Dental College and Hospital, Dr. MGR Medical University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: Babu
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Vasanthi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible; D008875:Middle Aged; D008963:Molar; D015995:Prevalence; D011861:Radiography, Dental; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D014095:Tooth, Impacted / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology*; D055815:Young Adult