Diseases and lesions associated with third molars. Review of 1001 cases.

This study reports on a retrospective survey of 1001 panoramic radiographs in a dental school population of persons with impacted third molars. The objective was to determine the association between pathologic conditions visible on radiographs and third molar teeth. In the series 2872 impacted third molars were examined. The most common problem seen radiolucencies. Other than caries, occurrence rates were low. Statistically significant differences in occurrences rates were seen within and between jaws for various pathologic conditions. The low rates did not offer support for the likely presence of pathologic conditions to be an indication for third molar removal.