Radiographic assessment of agenesis, impaction, and pararadicular radiolucencies in relation with third molar in Nashik City of Maharashtra

Abstract

Introduction: The third molar develops entirely after birth and also it is the last tooth to erupt in all ethnic groups despite racial variations in the eruption sequence. Tooth development with effects on tooth size, shape, position, and total absence is affected due to environmental factors, systemic diseases, genetic polymorphisms, and teratogens. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of agenesis, impaction, and pararadicular radiolucencies in relation with third molars. Materials and Methods: One hundred digital orthopantomograph (OPG) scans of patients of age ranging from 18 to 25 years were selected randomly from the digital OPG database of the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, and then assessment and analysis were carried out. Results: Overall agenesis rate was about 14.5%. Bilateral agenesis of maxillary and mandibular third molars was about 14% and 13%, respectively. Overall impaction rate was about 21.92%. Mesioangular impaction rate was about 57.33% whereas distoangular impaction rate was about 26.66%. Prevalence of pararadicular radiolucencies was only about 0.8% with mandibular predilection. Conclusion: As the agenesis of the third molars is increasing, they can be considered as vestigial. Prevalence of impaction of the third molars is increasing. Pararadicular radiolucencies are mostly seen with mandibular third molar.