Retrospective radiographic survey of unconventional ectopic impacted teeth in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Ectopic unconventional impacted teeth are rare. These teeth erupt in an unusual direction with limited unconventional access and have increased surgical risks. AIM: This study aimed to investigate and assess the prevalence and distribution of rare ectopic impacted teeth at the Taibah University Dental College and Hospital (TUDCH), Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: The study designed through a retrospective radiographic cross-sectional survey involving the review and examination of 9000 archived digital orthopantomograms of patients who visited the (TUDCH) in the period from January 2014 to December 2019 and to analyze any associated factors. RESULTS: There were 63 ectopically impacted teeth, with an incidence of 0.7%. The age of the patients ranged from 18 to 68 years, with a mean of 32.4 ± 13 years. Regarding patient nationality, 68.3% were Saudis. The most common ectopically impacted teeth were the extra impacted premolars, with an incidence of 0.2%, followed by the inverted molars, impacted first or second molars, and buccoversion or lingoversion third molars, with incidences of 0.16%, 0.13%, and 0.12%, respectively. The mandible was affected with ectopic impaction more than the maxilla, with an incidence of 55.6%. There was no difference between the right and left sides. Impacted teeth in the sinus were the least common. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of ectopic impacted teeth was 0.7% among the surveyed patients at TUDCH, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia. Hence, the oral surgeon must have readiness for such a challenging, increasing situation.