Effect of Impacted Third Molars on the Overjet of Central Incisor Teeth

Background: Overjet considered one of the most important parameters to evaluate the status of occlusion, therefore any disturbances in overjet will affect the occlusion improperly and causing malocclusion. The early detection and diagnosis of overjet discrepancies help in the early treatment of malocclusion. So many studies were achieved to observe the effect of different factors on overjet extent. \n \nAim: To observe whether the presence of impacted third molars affects the overjet extent. Materials and methods: The study was done on (200) patients with impacted third molars, aged between 18–25 years, for both genders who referred to the radiology department in some dental centres in Baghdad for taking orthopantomograms (OPGs) to evaluate the status of impacted third molars from June 2017 to November 2018. The measurements of overjet were done by a graduated metal ruler on each patient with impacted third molars and the metal ruler is covered by a disposable dental sleeve after each measurement. Overjet estimated from the labial surface of the more lingual positioned mandibular incisor and the incisal edge of the more labial positioned maxillary incisor. A normal overjet range considered in the study was measured between 2-4 mm. \n \nResults: The study showed that there were only (20) cases of patients with partially impacted third molars had increased overjet and only (5) cases of patients with fully impacted third molars had found with an increased overjet. The statistical analysis showed that there was no significant relationship between the presence of impacted third molars and overjet extent (p<0.05). The results also showed that there was no any significance between males and females regarding the effect of impacted third molars on the overjet distance. \n \nConclusion: The study concluded that there was no relationship between the presence of impacted third molars and overjet extent.