European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: Removal of impacted mandibular third molar is a common procedure performed in oral surgery. Indications for removal of the third molar have generated much discussion in dentistry. The presence of pericoronal pathosis is generally accepted reason for the extraction of impacted mandibular third molars. Radiographic pathology is usually defined as a pericoronal radiolucency measuring about 2.5 mm or larger in any dimension.
Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the histopathologic changes in radiographically normal dental follicles associated with various types of impacted mandibular third molars.
Methods: After extraction of 50 impacted mandibular third molars, dental follicle associated with extracted teeth was placed in 10% formalin solution. Histopathologic examination was done. The type of pathological changes was recorded based on histopahological reports.
Results and conclusion: 46% patients with impacted third molar had vertical position and 58% patients with impacted teeth showed 0.5 to 1.5mm pericoronal radiolucency. Enamel organ epithelium (EOE) and squamous lining, epithelial rest in connective tissue and epithelial rest in connective tissue were higher in mesioagnular tooth position. Maximum percentage of myxomatous change was recorded in mesioagnular tooth followed by horizontal tooth position. Epithelial hyperplasia and severe inflammation were more common in distoangular teeth. Epithelial lining was absent maximum in vertical impacted teeth.
Keywords: Dental follicle, impacted lower third molar, pericoronal pathology, pericoronal radiolucency