Mohammad Ishfaq, Ashfaq, Abdul Wahid, Abdul Munim.
Odontogenic infections related to impacted lower last molars.
J Pak Dent Assoc Jan ;16(2):71-6.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and severity of the infections related to the impacted lower third molar subjected to removal at Khyber college of Dentistry Peshawar. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data was collected from consecutive three hundred patients from Jan 2003 to Aug 2003 in Khyber College of dentistry Peshawar. All Patients were divided into five age groups. The impacted lower last molars were classified according to Pell and Gregory classification and also according to their angulations. The pathologies related to type of impaction and in specific age groups were analyzed mathematically. RESULTS: It was found that most of the impacted lower third molars (90%) were removed because of infections related to them. Pericoronitis (48.5%) was most common infection followed by caries/pulpitis and periapical infections (26.5%) and periodontal problems (10%). Mesioangular lower third molars were commonly involved with caries/pulpitis while vertical impactions presented commonly with pericoronitis. It was shown in this study that pericoronal infections were highly severe in 50.5% of the cases while moderate in 38% of the cases. Caries/pulpitis was moderately severe in 51% of the cases while periodontal problems were mild in most of the cases (55%). CONCLUSION: It is concluded from this study that those impacted third molars which are at high risks of infections should be removed prophylactically because sometimes these infections can be life threatening. Careful and regular checkups are required to avoid the development of any pathology in future.

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