Effect of impaction on third molar development and age estimation—A study in a Lebanese population

Background: The effect of impaction on third molar development is disputable as the scientific literature is not uniform. In parallel, population-specific studies have been encouraged in dental age estimation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of impaction on third molar formation in a sample of Lebanese individuals. Materials and methods: The sample consisted of 518 panoramic radiographs of females (n = 229) and males (n = 289) between 15 and 23.9 years. Mandibular third molars were classified based on their position as non-impacted and impacted (with horizontal, vertical, mesioangular, and distoangular impaction). Dental development was classified according to Demirjian's 8-level staging system. Results: Most teeth presented mesioangular impaction (#38 = 29.7%, #48 = 33%). Developing third molars were predominantly distributed between stages D and G. The mean age of most developmental stages was higher among impacted teeth, meaning that third molar mineralization could be slower in the presence of impaction. In general, the delayed dental development did not have statistically significant effects (P < 0.05). However, descriptive data pointed out differences between (impacted and non-impacted) mean ages of > 12 months–suggesting a potential clinical significance (despite the lack of a statistical one). Furthermore, differences changed based on sex and side (#38/#48). Conclusion: Therefore, dental age estimation from third molars in the selected Lebanese population should preferably be performed in non-impacted third molars whenever available.