A clinicoradiographic and pathological study of pericoronal follicles associated to mandibular third molars.

BACKGROUND: Third molar surgery is considered the most frequently performed procedure in oral surgery. Although there are some indications for the removal of this tooth, such as the possibility of cystic degeneration or a tumor of the adjacent pericoronal follicle, there is no consensus in the literature about their prophylactic removal.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to investigate the pathological alterations related to mandibular third molar dental follicles and to perform a narrative literature review.

METHODS: A prospective clinical, radiographic, and histopathologic study was conducted with pericoronal follicles of third molars. After histopathologic evaluation and establishment of diagnosis, 2 groups were defined: G1 (pericoronal tissues with pathological alterations based on histopathologic analysis) and G2 (pericoronal tissues without pathological alterations based on histopathologic analysis). In addition, a systematic review of the literature was performed.

RESULTS: One hundred thirteen specimens were analyzed. G1 was the most prevalent (P = 0.0004). Lesions were found in patients between 20 and 25 years of age (P < 0.004). The most prevalent histological diagnosis was the paradental cyst (47.7%; P < 0.0001). The narrative literature review showed that the majority of cases were mainly dentigerous cysts (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: The mandibular third molars in young adults showed a direct relationship with age and a statistical propensity for the development of these cystic alterations, notably paradental cysts.