RETROSPECTIVE MORPHOMETRIC EVALUATION OF MANDIBULAR ADAPTATIONS IN RELATION TO THIRD MOLAR DYNAMICS

This retrospective radiographic study aimed to evaluate morphometric changes in the mandible associated with impacted third molars using panoramic radiographs. Sixty digital orthopantomograms (OPGs) were selected from a total of 330 cases recorded at Saveetha Dental College between January and June 2024. Bone level distal to the mandibular second molar, gonial angle, and third molar root angulation were measured using ImageJ software. Mesioangular impaction was the most common type (35%), and bilateral impactions were present in 55% of the cases. The mean bone level was 1.22 ± 0.10 mm, with slightly higher bone loss in males compared to females, although the difference was not statistically significant. A significant variation in gonial angle was observed across impaction types (p = 0.026), suggesting a potential association between mandibular growth pattern and impaction type. Patients who had undergone third molar extraction showed improved bone levels distal to the second molar, while those who retained their impacted third molars exhibited progressive bone loss. These findings support the diagnostic utility of panoramic radiographs in identifying key morphometric parameters relevant to clinical decision-making. The study highlights the importance of gonial angle assessment as a possible predictor of impaction pattern and emphasizes the need for early radiographic evaluation.