Comparison of the eruption level of maxillary third molars with cone-beam computed tomography and panoramic images of patients refered to Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Department of Tabriz Dental School during 2017-2020

Abstract

Introduction: Surgery of removing the third maxillary molar can have serious complications. By identifying the factors influencing the success of maxillary third molars surgery, accidents during surgery as well as postoperative complications can be prevented. Considering that the knowledge of the eruption level type of the third maxillary molars is one of the most important factors in the success of this tooth extraction surgery, so the aim of the present study was to investigate and compare the eruption level type in CBCT and panoramic images. Methods and Materials: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was performed on 395 patients who referred to the School of Dentistry of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences for the study of third maxillary molars between 1396 and 1398 and had both CBCT and panoramic radiographs in their files. Were, was done. The growth levels of the maxillary third molars relative to the occlusal plane of the adjacent molars in CBCT and panoramic radiographs were evaluated and compared by a radiologist based on the Pell & Gregory system. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test were used to report and analyze the data. Results: In this study, on both sides (right and left) of the maxilla, the most common eruption levels of the third molars in both panoramic and CBCT images were: level A, level B and level C. in the images, respectively. Panoramic Levels A were more common on the right and Levels B and C on the left were more common, while in CBCT images Levels A and B on the right and Level C on the left were more common. Also, comparison of Eruption level A, B, C in CBCT and panoramic images showed that the eruption level of the third molar on both the right and left sides of the maxilla were significantly different (P <0.05). Conclusion: It is recommended that CBCT images replace panoramic radiographs or be used in conjunction with panoramic radiographs as a reassuring method.