The impact of maxillary non-impacted third molars on the distal alveolar bone of adjacent teeth using CBCT: a retrospective study.

This study investigates the impact of maxillary non-impacted third molars (N-M3s) on distal alveolar bone resorption of adjacent second molars (M2s) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in patients with and without periodontitis. The retrospective analysis of 200 maxillary second molars from 135 patients found that the presence of N-M3s is associated with increased alveolar bone resorption in adjacent teeth, with risk factors including advanced age and sex differing by periodontal status—female sex and age over 25 years in healthy individuals, and male sex and age over 45 years in those with periodontitis. The study suggests that N-M3s may exacerbate periodontal damage, particularly in patients with periodontitis, supporting consideration of proactive removal of asymptomatic maxillary N-M3s to protect periodontal health. The authors note limitations such as potential selection bias and recommend further large-scale, population-based studies to refine clinical decision-making regarding prophylactic extraction.