Relationship Between Third Mandibular Molar Angulation and Distal Cervical Caries in the Second Molar

Third lower molar partially erupted is commonly encountered in dental practice. This situation challenges clinicians with the dilemma whether to remove or to monitor it, because this molar can cause pathology of the adjacent second molar. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the relationship between third mandibular molar and distal cervical caries in second molar. This retrospective study analyzed 55 digital orthopantograms of adult patients and a total number of 95 mandibular third molars were assessed for eruption status, angulation, radiographic evidence of caries or restoration in the mandibular third molar, and radiographic evidence of caries or restoration in the distal surface of the mandibular second molar. The distal cervical caries in second molar is associated with fully erupted and partially erupted wisdom molar in horizontal, mesioangular and vertical position and less with presence of caries in third molar. There are caries lesions in distal second molars in mesioangular position when adjacent third molar is caries free. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Eitan Mijiritsky, DMD, Scientific Coordinator of Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv University, Ehud Str 12, Tel-Aviv 69350, Israel; E-mail: Mijiritsky@bezeqint.net Received 29 November, 2017 Accepted 2 February, 2018 The authors report no conflicts of interest. © 2018 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.

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