IMPACTED SECOND MOLARS

Purpose: the aim of this study was to identify the prevalence, associated pathologies, symptoms, and treatment of impacted second molars in a turkish population. material and method: this retrospective study examined panoramic radiographs and clinical records of 8,100 patients who presented consecutively at our clinic between january 1998 and january 2008. in addition to demographic data (patient sex and age), data was compiled on the number and location of impacted missing maxillary and mandibular second molars, associated pathologies and symptoms, and treatment methods. results: a total of 25 impacted maxillary and mandibular second molars were observed in 15 patients (0.18%). of these, 8 (53%) were female (age range: 17–30 years) and 7 (47%) were male (age range: 15–40 years). pathological changes and symptoms were noted in 20% of patients. conclusion: our results suggest that the prophylactic extraction of impacted second molars may not be necessary. impacted second molars should only be removed if they are associated with pathology or if extraction is required for prosthetic or orthodontic treatment. on the other hand, the extraction of the abnormal positioned third molar which prevented eruption of the second molar can allow to this tooth eruption.