Patologías asociadas a la posición de terceros molares no erupcionados en pacientes atendidos en la UCSG.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Unerupted mandibular third molars may present different positions, degrees of surgical difficulty, and stages of development, which may be associated with various dental pathologies. OBJECTIVE: To determine the pathologies associated with the position of unerupted third molars in patients treated at the Catholic University of Santiago de Guayaquil (UCSG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quantitative, cross-sectional, observational, non-experimental study was conducted from May to August 2026. Panoramic radiographs and clinical records from 120 patients were analyzed, yielding 210 unerupted mandibular third molars. Winter, Pell and Gregory, Pederson, and Nolla classifications were evaluated. The associations between radiographic characteristics and pathologies were analyzed using generalized estimating equation (GEE) models, considering p<0.05 as statistically significant. RESULTS: Retained third molars were predominant (62.9%), as were the vertical position according to Winter (61%), Class II (63.3%) and Position A (65.7%) according to Pell and Gregory, and moderate surgical difficulty according to Pederson (71%). Pericoronitis was the most frequent pathology (65.7%). Pell and Gregory was significantly associated with root resorption and pericoronitis, whereas Nolla was significantly associated with third molar caries, root resorption, and pericoronitis. CONCLUSION: The position, depth, and developmental characteristics of unerupted third molars showed different associations with the evaluated dental pathologies, particularly root resorption and pericoronitis.