Relationship of the root of the impacted mandibular third molar with the inferior alveolar canal: A 5-year retrospective study

Abstract

Objective: The root of the impacted mandibular third molar is in close contact with the inferior alveolar canal, and due to this, it's prone to injury. Radiographic assessment was performed using the orthopantomogram to determine these relationships, and seven radiographic signs were evaluated. No one study has shown a predominance of these radiographic signs; hence, this study aims to determine the relationship between the root of the impacted mandibular third molar and the inferior alveolar canal.

Methods: This was a 5-year retrospective study. Orthopantomograms (OPG) of patients who visited the dental clinic from 2020 to 2024 were retrospectively collected. The panoramic radiographs were collated and sent to three different Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons for interpretation of these radiographic risk predictor signs before recording.

Results: A total of 179 OPGs met the inclusion criteria in this study. The mean (±SD) age of the study population was 28.9(±13.09). There were more females (63.7%) than males (36.3%). Dark and bifid root was the most common relationship (40.2%), followed by a darkening of the root apex (24%).

Conclusion: Various relationships exist between the root of the impacted mandibular third molar and the inferior alveolar canal. This study has shown that a dark and bifid root apex is the most common association.