Radiographical evaluation of bone quality after extraction of mandibular impacted and semi-impacted third molars

Abstract

Aim: The association between bone quality and fracture risk in the mandibular angle with the presence of impacted/semi-impacted third molars and after their extraction is controversial. This study aimed to assess mandibular bone quality in digital radiographies of patients after extraction of impacted/semi-impacted lower third molars.

Methods: A total of 130 sets of digital panoramic radiographies were selected and divided into the following three groups: Group 1 with 50 panoramic radiographies of patients with impacted/semi-impacted lower third molars, Group 2 with 30 panoramic radiographies of patients with lower third molar agenesis, and Group 3 with 50 panoramic radiographies of patients after extraction of impacted/semi-impacted lower third molars. The mandibular angular cortex was the anatomical structure used as parameter for bone quality assessment. ANOVA and Student's t test were applied for comparison between groups.

Results: Mandibular angular cortical width was significantly lower when the third molar was present in both genders (P<0.05). Agenesis of the third molar in women was associated with lower thickness of the mandibular cortex when compared with patients who had their third molar extracted (P<0.05).

Conclusion: It can be concluded that the absence of impacted/semi-impacted lower third molars, was associated with a significant increase in cortical width.