Prevalence of Impacted Pre-Molar Teeth in College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND: An impacted tooth is one which fails to reach the occlusal plane even after two-third’s of its root completion. Though the etiology is multi-factorial, most common reason is crowding of teeth with lack of space for eruption. Mandibular third molars are the most commonly impacted teeth. Very few studies have been done to assess the prevalence of impacted premolar teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study had been undertaken at College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to report the prevalence of impacted premolar teeth and its relation to age group and gender. This retrospective study involved 3800 panoramic radiographs of subjects aged 18-45 years who had presented to the College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for oral care during the period from February 2009 to February 2011. All panoramic radiographs were taken with standardized equipment and specifications. RESULTS: The study sample comprised of 3800 panoramic radiographs. A total of 45 impacted premolar teeth were identified (1.2%) (P = 0.89). The male to female ratio with impacted premolars was 35:10 (3.5:1). Age Group 1 (i.e., 20-25 years) had the highest prevalence of premolar tooth impaction (75.5%) and this decreased with increasing age. Of the 45 impacted premolars, mandibular premolars were most commonly encountered (75.6%), followed by impacted teeth in the mandibular arch (24.4%). The ratio of mandibular to maxillary third molar impaction was 3:1. CONCLUSION: (1) The prevalence of impacted premolar teeth is more in mandibular arch than in the maxillary arch, (2) females had higher prevalence of impacted teeth than men, (3) age group 25-30 years had high rate of prevalence of impacted premolars.