Evaluation of the positions of impacted third molars according to the classifications of Winter and Pell & Gregory in panoramic radiographs
Evaluation of the positions of impacted third molars according to the classifications of Winter and Pell & Gregory in panoramic radiographs
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51473/rcmos.v1i2.2025.1611Keywords:
Impacted molars, Winter classification, Pell & Gregory classification; panoramic radiography.Abstract
Third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth, are the teeth most frequently impacted in the oral cavity, and may be partially or totally erupted due to anatomical, genetic, and functional factors. This condition is relevant in dentistry because it is associated with complications such as pain, infection, caries, and root resorption. The Winter and Pell & Gregory classifications are widely used to describe the position and degree of impact of these teeth, assisting in diagnosis and surgical planning. The present study aims To analyze, through an integrative literature review, the use of panoramic radiography in the evaluation of impacted mandibular third molars, considering the Winter and Pell & Gregory classifications, and to discuss its relevance for diagnosis, surgical planning, and complication prevention.The research was conducted between May 2024 and August 2025, in the PubMed, SciELO, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases, including articles published between 2016 and 2024 in Portuguese and English. The results indicated a high prevalence of impacted third molars, mainly lower ones, with a predominance of mesioangular inclinations according to Winter and classes B and 2 according to Pell & Gregory. Panoramic radiographs proved to be effective for initial diagnosis, while cone beam computed tomography was recommended for more complex cases. The Winter and Pell & Gregory classifications remain essential in dental practice, offering diagnostic standardization that contributes to communication between professionals and safe surgical planning. The integration of radiographic examination and clinical judgment is indispensable for decision-making, preventing complications, and promoting oral health. Future studies are needed to correlate radiographic position with long-term clinical outcomes.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Gabriel de Assis Bandeira Sousa, Iago Braga Negreiros, Caio César Silva França, Samnyo Martins Oliveira, Thiago Henrique Gonçalves Moreira, Matheus Araújo Brito Santos Lopes (Autor)
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