Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the position of the mandibular third molar and its influence on the presence of pathologies in the mandibular second molar. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective study. A total of 262 radiographs were analyzed. For each panoramic radiograph selected, the mandibular third and second molars were identified. The Pell and Gregory classification was performed, as well as Winter's classification, subsequently the presence or absence of the following radiographic lesions was evaluated: caries in the adjacent second molar, periodontal bone loss in the distal aspect of the mandibular second molar, and root resorption of the second molar. The data from the radiographs was stored in electronic spreadsheets for tabulation by means of descriptive statistics using Excel software. Descriptive statistics were used to present the results using tables with frequencies and percentages. The chi-squared test was used to perform associations of interest in means of the R Epi info 7.0 program. RESULTS: Regarding the position of the mandibular third molar, the most frequent was IA, with alveólisis being the most frequent pathology affecting the mandibular second molar in this position. In relation to the inclination of the teeth, the most frequent was mesioangular and the most frequent pathology affecting the second molar in this inclination was also alveólisis. CONCLUSION: The IA position with mesioangular inclination of the mandibular third molar was the most common, causing alveolitis in the mandibular second molar. This is the most frequently reported pathology.