The Association Between Skeletal Facial Types and Third Molars Impaction in a Saudi Arabian Subpopulation: A CBCT Study

Abstract

Purpose

To assess the state of mandibular and maxillary third molars in relation to different facial types in a Saudi population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) records.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective study was performed on CBCTs. Statistical analysis determined the relationship between impacted maxillary and mandibular third molars and different skeletal facial types. The degree of third molar impaction was evaluated.

Results

A total of 198 CBCTs from subjects were evaluated, with a mean age of 34.2 years. Archer II classification was found to be significantly associated with all skeletal profiles. The incidence of mesioangular impactions in lower third molar showed a notable increase in the brachyfacial group, which was statistically significant.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study demonstrates that different facial types are associated with the angulation of third molar impactions.

Keywords:

• impacted
• wisdom tooth
• brachyfacial
• dolichofacial
• mesiofacial
• retrospective

Data Sharing Statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author.

Disclosure

The authors report no potential conflicts of interest for this work.