A clinical study will be conducted to verify the reliability of the root form classification of impacted lower third molars that was put by Abu-Mostafa N (2023) The root forms of partially or fully impacted lower third molars will be classified pre-operatively based on panoramic radiograph, then clinically after extraction, and the identified root classifications will be compared.

According to Abu-Mostafa N, the roots of impacted lower third molars are classified into two types: Fused roots and separated roots. Both have different forms:

Fused roots forms: Straight, Curved distal, Curved mesial, and S-shaped.

Separated roots forms: Straight, Both roots are curved distal, Both roots are curved mesial, Joined roots, One root is straight and one is curved, and More than two roots.

A panoramic radiograph will be taken before extraction, then the roots will be classified by two Oral biologist and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon individually. After surgical extraction of the third molar, the roots will be examined clinically and classified according to the same classification.

The two pre-extraction radiographic classifications will be compared together, and then they will be compared with the clinical classification to check if there is a discrepancy.

The surgical extraction procedure:

Local anesthesia will be achieved by inferior alveolar nerve block and buccal infiltration using Lidocaine 2% with Epinephrine 1:100,000. A flap with a distobuccal releasing incision will be done. The bone reduction will be performed by a low-speed surgical handpiece under irrigation with normal saline. Root separation is done of required for the third molars with separated root forms. The tooth will be luxated by straight elevators and then extracted.

The evaluation results will be categorized to:

• Agreement: The two pre-extraction radiographic evaluations and the clinical evaluations are similar
• Discrepancy 1: One pre-extraction radiographic evaluation and the clinical evaluations are similar, but the other radiographic evaluation differs.
• Discrepancy 2: the two pre-extraction radiographic evaluations are similar, but the clinical evaluation differs.
• Disagreement: The three evaluations are different

The results will be analyzed regarding frequencies and association of each category with root forms

Inclusion Criteria:

Patients with impacted lower third molars who visit Riyadh Elm University" hospital and have lower third molars which are diagnosed clinically and radiographically as partially or fully impacted. The roots of these third molars have to be fully formed.

Exclusion Criteria:

incomplete apex formation and root resorption

After publication