Prevalence of Impacted Teeth and Related Pathologies: A Retrospective Radiographic Study

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of impacted teeth and the frequency of associated pathologies by panoramic radiography retrospectively.

Methods: This study was performed on digital panoramic x-ray images of a total of 688 subjects. The presence of impacted teeth was classified as third molar, canine, premolar, and supernumerary. Impacted teeth were evaluated in terms of cysts, abscesses, or caries. Patient files were reviewed to see if the impacted teeth were asymptomatic and required removal. Descriptive analyses were performed with GraphPad Prism 8.0.

Results: Impacted teeth were present in approximately 22% of the patient group. The third molars were the most prevalent impacted teeth, with approximately 92% of all impacted teeth, followed by canines and supernumerary teeth. A pathology was detected in 38 out of 335 of the impacted teeth. Among the patient group, only 12 patients had symptomatic teeth and required removal of the impacted teeth.

Conclusion: Impacted teeth are common and can cause a pathology. The most commonly impacted teeth are third molars with a predilection for the mandible. Even though most impacted teeth remained asymptomatic, a follow-up is required to monitor possible changes in the future.

Cite this article as: Erçal P. Prevalence of impacted teeth and related pathologies: A retrospective radiographic study. Essent Dent. 2023;2(3):108-113.