Pericoronitis: A clinical and epidemiological study in greek military recruits

BACKGROUND: This paper presents a statistical analysis of epidemiological, clinical and radiographical characteristics of third molar-related pericoronitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 650 conscripts of the First Training Division of Conscript Soldiers of 2005 in Greece were recruited for the study. Each conscript was given a questionnaire and underwent a clinical test and a radiographic examination. The tested variables included the conscripts’ personal information, oral hygiene parameters along with the radiographic angulation of the third molar, the level of impaction and their classification in relation to the edge of the mandible. RESULTS: The prevalence of pericoronitis was found to be 4.92%. The group of patients between 20 and 25 years old dominated in a percentage of 72.41%. CONCLUSIONS: The use of mouthwash along with the adequate frequency of teeth-brushing appeared to be related to a statistically significant decrease of the disease. Vertical impacted molars are more likely to present pericoronitis at a rate of 61.11%; plane A and the impacted teeth that are positioned to the front edge of the mandible according to class II, have a higher rate of prevalence. Finally, a brief literature review in comparison to our study is also presented. Key words:Third-molar-related pericoronitis, impacted wisdom teeth, prevalence, epidemiological study, Greece.