Objective: 

Describe positional characteristics of the mandibular third molar at highest risk for acute pericoronitis using clinical and radiographic features

Methods:

Fifty subjects of either gender in the age range of 18–35 years with a clinical diagnosis of acute pericoronitis constituted the study group. Following a complete clinical examination, standardized panoramic radiographs for each of the study subjects was made. Two clinical and two radiographic parameters were evaluated as potential predictive factors for the development of acute pericoronitis. The findings were recorded in the patient’s respective proformas specially designed for the study. Chi–square test was used to determine the predictivity of the individual factors in the development of acute pericoronitis

Results:

Vertical impaction was the most frequent angulation (35 cases) while distoangular was the least (02 cases). The frequency of partial (50%) occlusal coverage by operculum (29 cases) outnumbered 25, 75 and 100% coverage (21 cases). Regardless of the type of impaction, 50% occlusal coverage by operculum was most frequently encountered. Presence of an opposing impinging maxillary tooth was noted in 35 cases, while the same was absent in 15 cases.

 Conclusions:

Vertical angulations, partial (50%) encapsulation, eruption level below or at the occlusal plane and presence of an impinging opposing maxillary tooth are among  the important determinants of the development of pericoronitis prophylactic extractions should be advised in such cases.