Radiologic variables of clinical significance in the extraction of impacted mandibular third molars

Abstract

Objective: To determine which radiologic variables have a clinical significance in the extraction of impacted mandibular third molars.

Study design: A prospective study was carried out on 100 consecutive extractions of unilateral impacted mandibular third molars (60 women and 40 men, mean age: 26.27 +/- 10.63 years). Fourteen radiologic variables were ordinally evaluated, establishing their relation to the surgical intervention time. The Kruskal-Wallis test, a multivariant analysis of the principal components, the Pearson correlation coefficient, and logistical regression tests were carried out.

Results: Seven variables (occlusal plane, relation to the second molar, depth, follicle, periodontal ligament width, ramus of the mandible, and angulation) demonstrated a statistically significant relation to the surgical intervention time (Kruskal-Wallis tests, p < 0.007). Two associated variables, depth and periodontal ligament width, showed the most powerful and simple relation to the surgical intervention time (r2 multiple = 0.307, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The model we propose is a tool that may help the general practitioner to establish competence in an extraction of the impacted mandibular third molar by measuring the association of two radiologic variables: depth and periodontal ligament width.