Aim: This study assessed the relationship between different skeletal facial types and the position of impacted mandibular third molars in an Iranian population. By clarifying this important relationship, it may be possible to predict the likelihood of
third molar impaction based on skeletal facial type, thereby improving the focus of preventive interventions.Methods: In this study ۱۲۲ individuals with skeletal Class I relationships and different vertical skeletal facial types were examined radiographically. According to SN-GoGn and FMA angles, the subjects were categorized into three groups: mesofacial, brachiofacial, and dolichofacial. The angular position of third molars was classified on the panoramic x-ray according to Winter’s classification, which evaluates the beta angle, defined as the angle formed by the long axes of the second and third mandibular molars, categorized as vertical, mesioangular, distoangular, or horizontal. The position of the
third molar relative to the occlusal plane and the cervical level of the second molar was categorized based on the Pell and Gregory classification into position A (the
third molar aligned with the occlusal plane of the second molar), position B (the
third molar situated between the occlusal plane and cervical area of the second molar), and position C (the
third molar located below the cervical region of the second molar).The Chi-square and ANOVA tests were performed for statistical analyses. P<۰.۰۵ was considered as significant.Results: This study showed mandibular
third molar impaction rate was ۴۵.۹%, with a slight female predilection. The most common angulation was vertical (۶۳.۵%), and the predominant occlusal level was position A (۵۰%). Distoangular impactions, the least frequent, were mainly observed in the dolichofacial group. Dolichofacial group indicated the highest incidence of at least one impaction, followed by the mesofacial and brachiofacial groups at ۴۳%, ۳۰% and ۲۶% respectively.No significant associations were found between skeletal facial type and either the angulation (P=۰.۴۱) or level (P=۰.۴۹) of third molars. Conclusion: This study found no significant relationship between facial type and the position or impaction rate of lower third molars. These findings suggest that vertical facial patterns do not significantly predict mandibular
third molar impaction.
