Finding of Third Lower Molar in Prosthetic Croatian

Background: The third molar is different in many ways from all the other teeth. The aim of this study was to examine how often the third lower molars are chosen as abutment tooth. Methods: A total of 228 OPG was analyzed. The number of lower third molars (M3s) present per person as well as on the right or the left side of the mandible and their relationships, for both males and females were examined, taking into account personal data, collected from clinical records. Collected data were subjected to statistical analysis set to p≤ 0.15. The patients were aged 30 to 87 years (x ̄ =49. 22; sd.13.06) with equal representation of all ages. Results: 188 patients, or 82%, has both lower third molar. Angulations of third molar was measured from 0 90o (x=69. 65, sd.11.67). On more retained tooth higher angulation is measured (p=0.17). It was extracted 18 (8%) left and 22(10%) of right third molar. More extracted third molars (p=0.21) and healing tooth (P=0.18) were found in elderly patient. Higher percentages were recorded for females but based on χ2 statistics this difference was not found to be statistically significant. 205 findings or 90% was with vital third molar. Endodontic treatment was done on 7 left and 15 right wisdom teeth, more in men than in woman. As abutment teeth 37 third lower molar or 16% left and 13% right were found. Conclusion: Lower third molar can be adequate abutment tooth for fixed prosthetic appliances and that is something that needs to be evaluated in prosthetic treatment planning.