The Prevalence of Impacted Premolars in the Anatolian Population

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of impacted premolars and the associated pathology of these teeth in the Anatolian population.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study was composed of 10246 panoramic radiographs of patients (6074 females, 4172 males) between 2000 and 2011. We reviewed the panoramic radiographs and clinical data and determined the prevalence of impacted premolars to be associated with sex, age, and number of premolars. We investigated the associated pathology and approach of treatment.

Results: A total of 83 patients (43 females, 40 males; mean age 23.42±11.18 years, range 12 to 69) had 101 impacted permanent premolars that were either mesioangular (n=47, 46.54%), vertical (n=32, 31.68%9), distoangular (n=14, 13.86%), horizontal (n=6, 5.94%), and/or buccolingual (n=2, 1.98%). Premolar transmigration was absent. Of these premolars, 7 (6.93%) were associated with cystic lesions. In this study, 61.39% of impacted premolars were extracted; 39 (38.61%) were followed up.

Conclusion: The prevalence of impacted premolars in the Anatolian population was determined to be 0.98%. Although premolar impaction is infrequent, early diagnosis is important because most of the cases (93.07%) are asymptomatic.