Prevalence and Patterns of Third Molar Impaction Among Patients in Kabul Private Dental Clinics in 2024
Keywords: Epidemiology, Kabul city, OPG radiography, prevalence, third molar impacted
Ghulam Sakhi Tawhidi
Abstract
Impacted third molars are a common finding in dental practice and are often associated with complications such as pain, infection, and cystic lesions. The prevalence and patterns of impaction can vary by population and are influenced by demographic and anatomical factors. However, data on third molar impaction in the Afghan population remain limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and pattern of impacted third molars among patients attending private dental clinics in Kabul, as well as the related factors such as age, gender, angulation, and reasons for extraction. In this study, a sample of patients visiting private clinics in Kabul was selected, and the condition of their third molars was examined using OPG radiography and physical examinations. Data, including gender, age, condition of third molars, angle of impacted teeth, and reason for extraction of impacted teeth were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 24. In this study, a retrospective cross-sectional study method was used to investigate the prevalence of impacted teeth. A total of 430 patients (223 males, 207 females; aged 18-45 years) were included. Erupted third molars were observed in 77.2% of participants, while 22.8% had unerupted molars. Impacted third molars were identified in 26.3% of cases, predominantly in the lower right and left quadrants (each 5.6%). Mesial angulation was the most common impaction type (14.7%). Only 9.3% of patients with impacted teeth had undergone treatment. The primary indications for extraction were pain (4.9%), adjacent tooth destruction (3.3%), abscess (0.5%), and periodontitis (0.9%). The results indicate a notable prevalence of impacted third molars, with associated oral symptoms including swelling, inflammation, pain, infection, halitosis, chewing difficulties, and cyst formation, each reflecting patient discomfort and disease progression. Regular dental examinations play a key role in the early detection and prevention of oral complications associated with impacted teeth. Educating patients about the importance of oral health care and implementing regular prevention programs can help reduce the burden of these problems and improve the quality of life of patients.
