Radiographic study of the third molar in Senegalese population

Aim: The aim was to study the status of the third molar in a Senegalese population using panoramic radiography. Materials and Methods: The study covered 183 patients, aged 20 to 45 years, who came to the Department of Dentistry for consultation. After a clinical examination, each patient was given a panoramic x-ray. The variables of the third molar studied were: agenesis, impacted status, angle inclination of the third mandibular molar. Results: Of the 732 third molars explored, 76.6% (n=561) were anatomically well implanted on the dental arch. The prevalence of agenesis of the third molar in the study sample was 6.9% (n=50) and it was higher at the maxillary with 7.1%. On the other hand, the third molars impacted represented 12.8% (n=94) and they were more important at the mandible with 13.7%. Extraction was more frequent in the third mandibular molar. Mesio-angulation was the most common pattern. Conclusion: This study provided an overview of the prevalence of agenesis of the third molar and the value of panoramic radiography in the third molar study.