Incidence of Third Molar Impaction in a Sample of Saudi Patients from Riyadh

Abstract

Four hundred and forty files of saudi patients treated at the college of dentistry, King saud University were eamined , only 2.3 % were complining of pericoronitis or operculitis . one hundred and eighteen patients 26.8 % had third molar impaction . Fifty three percent of these patients were male and 47% females. Impaction mandibular third molar predominated in male patients while maxillary third molars impaction prevailed in females. Age group between 20-29 years had the highest incidence while older Saudi patients shsowed less incidence of impaction indicating a sign of tooth – jaw disproportions in the younger generation or a sign of civilization that eliminates the need for large and powerful jaws . Mesioangular inclination especially in the mandible, class I and depth C predominated in this study.