Prevalence of Distal Caries in Mandibular Second Molar Related to Impacted Third Molars in RAKCODS

Background: Failure of normal tooth eruption due to various factors is referred to as impaction. The most common impacted tooth is mandibular third molars. It is difficult to treat, and it is indicated to be removed without delay to avoid caries development in the neighboring second molar and loss of both teeth. Extraction of the third molar results in less complications and better dental health, improved gum health in the area adjacent to the second molar. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of distal caries in second molar teeth due to impacted third molar teeth in RAKCODS and their relation to gender and age. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 Orthopantomograms (OPGs) of patients reporting to RAKCODS over a period of three years were screened and randomly selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data was collected, and cross checked for any discrepancies and entered into excel spread sheet. Descriptive analysis of the data was done, and results were displayed as graphs. Results: According to this study, 20% cases show distal caries on mandibular second molars and 80% cases show healthy second molars. There was no relation between gender and impaction, but when studied independently, it showed that mesial impaction was more common in males, and horizontal impaction was more common in females. Age wise, there was no relation between age and cavity existence. Conclusion: A total of 80% of the patients with impacted third molars had no distal caries on mandibular second molar. It was found that there is no relation between gender and impaction, and that there are equal chances of caries existence regardless of age or gender.