Non-impacted third molars affect the periodontal status of adjacent teeth: a cross-sectional study

Publication date: Available online 15 February 2017
Source:Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Author(s): Zhi-Bang Li, Hong-Lei Qu, Li-Na Zhou, Bei-Min Tian, Li-Na Gao, Fa-Ming Chen
PurposeMost previous studies of the effect of third molars (M3s) on the health of adjacent second molars (A-M2s) have focused on impacted third molars (I-M3s). The purpose of this study was to investigate whether non-impacted third molars (N-M3s) may affect the periodontal status of A-M2s.Patients and MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, subjects (≥ 18 years) who had at least one quadrant with intact first and second molars anda non-impacted or absent M3 were enrolled in this study. The periodontal measures of M2 (6 sites) in the examined quadrants included the gingival index (GI), plaque index (PLI), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival recession (GR) and bleeding on probing (BOP). The mean GI, PLI, PPD, CAL, BOP proportion and the proportion with at least one site with PPD ≥ 5 mm were compared usingthe T-test or chi-square test. The association of PPD5+ (%) or BOP (%) with the presence of N-M3s was assessed using a two-level logistic regression model (quadrant-based analysis).ResultsA total of 135 subjects (43.7% male, 40.6±11.5 years) were enrolled in this study. Subjects who had at least one quadrant with 3 intact molars and an N-M3 were enrolled in Group A (105 patients), while subjects who had at least one quadrant with intact first and second molars without an M3 were enrolled in Group B (30 patients). The periodontal parameters, i.e., GI, PLI, PPD, CAL, BOP and PPD5+, were significantly greater in Group A. When other factors associated with periodontal disease were controlled, N-M3s were associated with the PPD5+ (odds ratio, 6.7) and BOP (odds ratio, 4.0) of the A-M2s. Other factors positively associated with A-M2 PPD5+ were location on the mandible, age greater than 35 years and smoking.ConclusionsThe presence of N-M3s is a potential risk factor for the development of periodontitis in A-M2s.



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