Comparison of Two X-ray Analyses for Estimating the Prognosis of Eruption of Impacted Mandibular Third Molars.

The objective of this study was to compare the results of the measurements made using two methods for determining the retromolar eruption spaces and the mesiodistal inclinations of impacted mandibular third molars. These are the main parameters based on which the eruption of these teeth can be predicted. A Sirona GALILEOS Compact/Comfort CBCT scanner was used for the study. A total of 127 patients were included in the study. We made the measurements using our integrated method and the standard method used in the dental practice for determining the eruption space and the mesiodistal inclination of these teeth, and then we compared the results. The mean difference between the two methods for estimating the retromolar space deficiency on the left was 1.70 mm and standard deviation (SD) 2.95; mean error of the mean was 0.29; and Student t-test (paired t-test) = 5.86, significant level of the correlation was 0.001, <0.05. Regarding the teeth on the right, it was mean 1.59 mm and standard deviation (SD) 2.98; mean error of the mean was 0.31. The t-test performed found a statistically significant difference between the methods in determining the retromolar eruption spaces (t-test (paired t-test) = 5.13; significant level of the correlation 0.001; p < 0.05). The mean difference (in degrees) between the measurements of the inclinations of the teeth on the left using the two methods was 3, 50°; SD = 7.25; mean error of the mean = 1.81; t-test = 2.481; significant level of the correlation 0.025; and p > 0.05. As for the teeth on the right, it was 2.41°, SD = 9.57, mean error of the mean = 2.39, t-test 0.175, significant level of the correlation = 0.863, and >0.05. No statistically significant difference was found between the two methods in measuring the inclinations of impacted third molars. The conclusion of our study is that the determination of the mesiodistal inclination of the teeth and the available eruption space using the method developed by us is more accurate compared to the standard method, because constant points and planes are used. This method allows for predicting the eruption of impacted mandibular third molars.