Objectives: The aim of this study was to research radiologically for root resorption of mandibular second molars (second molars) appearing in association with impacted mandibular third molars (third molars), the frequency of caries on second and third molars,and risk factors.
Materials and Methods: 224 third molars and 325 second molars in 224 patients aged 16 to 86 years were evaluated for inclination angle,status of impaction,and position of horizontal impaction of the third molars on panoramic radiographs,and for caries and root resorption on dental cone beam CT images. Root resorption and dental caries of second molars were defined as root resorption when the second molar was in contact with the third molar, and dental caries when the second molar was not in contact with the third molar. The depths of horizontal burial were classified as A, B, and C in order of superficiality.
Results: Root resorption of second molars, caries of second molars, and caries of third molars were observed in 40.9%, 13.5%, and7.6% of the patients, respectively. Root resorption of second molars according to age was most common in the age group of 16-39 years, with a frequency of 47.7%. In terms of inclination angle, root resorption at 60-74˚ was observed in 58.3%, second molar caries in 15.3%, and third molar caries in 11.1%. Root resorption of the second molar, caries of the second molar, and caries of the third molar were observed in 58.4%, 18.8%, and 12.2% of the horizontally buried teeth respectively, with root resorption being significantly more frequent (p=<0.05). As for the depth of horizontal implantation, root resorption at depth A was observed in 47.6% of the cases.
Conclusion:When the third molar is inclined as much as 60-74˚ and is close to the neck of the second molar, root resorption of the second molar appears more frequently. Prophylactic extraction of the third molar is recommended in this condition to avoid root resorption of the second molar.
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