Symptoms of unerupted mandibular third molars.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to analyze the occurrence of symptoms in patients with unerupted mandibular third molars and to investigate the associated pathoses.

STUDY DESIGN

Through a review of clinical records and periapical radiographs of completely unerupted and partially erupted mandibular third molars, a retrospective study was carried out. For each axial inclination, symptoms and pathoses associated with these teeth were analyzed. Statistical differences were tested by chi square analysis.

RESULTS

Most of the patients were between 16 and 30 years of age. In 83% of cases, the mandibular third molars were partially erupted; in the other 17% of cases, the mandibular third molars were completely unerupted. Pain was the most frequent symptom in both groups. Pericoronitis was found mostly in third molar teeth with vertical and distal inclinations (P< .05), whereas caries was found mainly in mesially tipped third molars (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Most of the patients were in the third decade of life. Partially erupted mandibular third molars had more symptoms than completely unerupted teeth. Pain and pericoronitis were the most common problems in patients with unerupted third molars.