Evaluation of the Relationship between Maxillary and Mandibular Third Molar Impaction and Vertical and Anteroposterior Dimensions of the Face.

Background: The impaction of the third molar is associated with specific facial skeletal and dental characteristics. Therefore, determining the type of facial skeletal growth may help predict third molar impaction and assist in treatment planning. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the impaction of the maxillary and mandibular third molars with the vertical and anteroposterior dimensions of the face, as well as to examine the prevalence and type of impaction. Materials and Method: In this descriptive-analytical study, panoramic and lateral cephalometric radiographs of 200 patients who were referred to a radiology center in Zanjan were examined. The position, angle, and type of impaction were evaluated on the panoramic radiographs, and the type of vertical and anteroposterior facial profile was determined through lateral cephalometry. Finally, the correlation between impaction and the type of facial profile was analyzed with the Chi-Square test at a significance level of 0.05. Results: The prevalence of third molar impaction was higher in patients with skeletal Class II and those with a dolichofacial profile (55.5% and 63.5%). Class B, Class II, and mesioangular impactions were more common in the mandible, whereas Class C and distoangular impactions were more prevalent in the maxilla. The level of third molar impaction in the mandible was significantly related to the vertical dimension of the face ( Conclusion: The findings of this study can be beneficial in orthodontics for evaluating the impact of third molar impaction on dental crowding and facilitating the development of appropriate treatment plans. Knowing which individuals are more susceptible to third molar impaction enables specialists to implement early interventions. Additionally, timely referrals to oral and maxillofacial surgeons can be made when necessary.