Associated Pathology Influencing the Treatment Decision of Mandibular Impacted Third Molars. A Literature Review
Abdulwahab Zidan*
Specialty Doctor Dental Implant & Oral Surgery, Colchester Hospital, UK and Attahadi University, Periodontal Department, Tripoli, Libya.
*Corresponding Author: Abdulwahab Zidan, Specialty Doctor Dental Implant & Oral Surgery, Colchester Hospital, UK and Attahadi University, Periodontal Department, Tripoli, Libya.
https://doi.org/10.58624/SVOADE.2026.07.011
Received: August 05, 2025
Published: March 10, 2026
Citation: Zidan A. Associated Pathology Influencing the Treatment Decision of Mandibular Impacted Third Molars. A Literature Review. SVOA Dentistry 2026, 7:2, 71-91. doi: 10.58624/SVOADE.2026.07.011
Abstract
Aim: The aim of this professional project was to evaluate the prevalence of various pathologies associated with impacted mandibular third molar teeth.
Methods: A literature review, an electronic research strategy employed for this study through the University of Warwick Library. Databases such as PubMed, Medline, Cochran, and electronic medical journals were searched. Out of 74 articles initially retrieved, 5 were selected for critical appraisal following the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The papers selected included a human study and published on the last 10 years with English language. The study consisted of analysis of radiographies and pathologic examination to determine the prevalence of pathologies and treatment option for impacted mandibular third molars.
Results: Caries and bone resorption were the most common lesions seen. While periocoronitis, periodontities, cyst and tumour respectively were less common. Pericoronitis and periapical infection were more frequently seen with partially impacted mandibular third molars than completely impacted teeth. Regarding the lower impacted molar teeth position, well know that mesioangular, horizontal, vertical and distoangular respectively were the most common inclinations associated with prevalence pathology of the impacted mandibular third molars. The relative absence of prophylactic removal as an indication could be recognized for socioeconomic and logistic reasons.
Conclusion: awareness of guidelines indications for removal of impacted mandibular third molar teeth will help in managing such patients. The mesioangular, horizontal and vertical inclinations associated with symptomatic impacted mandibular third molars were the most common. The treatment plan to extract the impacted mandibular third molars in the absence of specific surgical conditions and medical should be discontinued. There is no existing literature to confirm these recommendations about whether to remove impacted mandibular third molars or not.
Keywords: Impacted mandibular third molar, Pericoronitis, Third molar pathology, Surgical extraction
