Evaluation of the positions of impacted third molars according to the Winter and Pell & and Gregory classifications in panoramic radiographs
Evaluation of the positions of impacted third molars according to the Winter and Pell & and Gregory classifications 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 most frequently impacted teeth in the oral cavity and may present partial or total eruption impeded by anatomical, genetic, or functional factors. This condition is clinically relevant 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. This 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 the prevention of complications. 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 mandibular ones, with a predominance of mesioangular inclinations according to Winter and classes B and 2 according to Pell & Gregory. Panoramic radiography proved effective for initial diagnosis, whereas cone-beam computed tomography was recommended for more complex cases. The Winter and Pell & Gregory classifications remain essential in clinical practice, offering diagnostic standardization that contributes to professional communication and safe surgical planning. The integration of radiographic examination and clinical judgment is indispensable for decision-making, preventing complications, and promoting oral health. Further studies are needed to correlate radiographic classification 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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