Abstract
Objective : The purpose of this study was to evaluate mandibular impacted third molars three-dimensionally using multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) and to clarify the relationship of age and sex with root characteristics.
Materials and Methods : The participants consisted of 706 patients who underwent MDCT and had mandibular impacted third molars (295 males, 411 females, age 20-79 years). The evaluations included root curvature, root ankylosis, and root hypercementosis, and their associations with age and sex were examined. Statistical analyses were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test to compare median ages based on the presence of root characteristics, and the chi-square test for differences between sexes. A P-value of＜0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results : No significant sex differences were observed in root ankylosis (chi-square test, p＝0.47). However, the mean age was significantly higher in the group with ankylosis (Mann-Whitney U test, p＜0.05), and also in the group with root hypercementosis (Mann-Whitney U test, p＜0.05). Additionally, there was a higher proportion of females in the group with root hypercementosis (chi-square test, p＜0.05).
Conclusion : This study revealed that the root characteristics of mandibular impacted third molars are related to age and sex.
