EVALUATION OF IMPACTED THIRD MOLAR AND CANINES WITH CONE BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate position and relationship between adjacent anatomic structures of impacted third molar and canine and pathological alterations associated with these teeth with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and in the light of the obtained data to raise awareness in clinicians so as to determine prevalence of these features, decide appropriate management of impacted teeth and avoid possible complications in surgical operations. METHODS: In this study, 316 impacted third molars and canines were examined on 200 CBCT images. Impacted third molars and canines were assessed according to position, resorption of adjacent tooth and cyctic lesion. Impacted mandibular third molars were examined relationship with mandibular canal, impacted maxillary third molars were examined relationship with maxillary sinus. RESULTS: Most of impacted teeth were in mandible. All impacted canines were in maxilla. Mostly mandibular third molars were impacted mesioangular, maxillary third molars were impacted distoangular, the canines were impacted mesial-palatally position. 52% impacted mandibular third molars had no bone tissue between mandibular canal. Impacted maxillary third molars had no bone septa between maxillary sinus and they were localized border of the maxillary sinus frequently. Only impacted canines caused resorption of the adjacent teeth. CONCLUSION: Impacted teeth that influenced extensive population on the world is a common problem. In order to determine appropriate management of impacted teeth and avoid complications that may occur during or after treatment, localization and relations with adjacent anatomic structures of impacted teeth should be evaluated in detail