Cystic changes in dental follicle associated with radiographically normal impacted mandibular third molar

Abstract

The aim of the study was to find out the incidence of histological abnormalities in soft tissues that are associated with impacted lower third molars with no pericoronal lytic lesion. We studied 100 patients who had a radiographically normal asymptomatic impacted lower third molar (<2.4mm radiolucency). The incidence of cystic changes in the dental follicle was 46%. There was a high incidence in the right side and in men. We recommend histopathological evaluation and radiographic diagnosis in the management of impacted third molars.