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Are third molars associated with orofacial pain? Findings from the SHIP study
Author(s) -
Mksoud Maria,
Ittermann Till,
Daboul Amro,
Schneider Philipp,
Bernhardt Olaf,
Koppe Thomas,
Bülow Robin,
Metelmann HansRobert,
Völzke Henry,
Kindler Stefan
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
community dentistry and oral epidemiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.061
H-Index - 101
eISSN - 1600-0528
pISSN - 0301-5661
DOI - 10.1111/cdoe.12540
Subject(s) - medicine , molar , orofacial pain , dentistry , masticatory force , impaction , population , orthodontics , physical therapy , environmental health
Objectives To examine the association between third molars and orofacial pain. We hypothesized that impacted third molars are a cause of orofacial pain. Methods Magnetic resonance images of 1808 participants from two population‐based cohorts from Northeastern Germany were analysed to define the status of third molars according to the Pell and Gregory classification. A self‐reported questionnaire and a clinical dental examination were used to detect chronic and acute complaints of orofacial pain, masticatory muscle pain, migraine and other types of headache. Logistic regression models were used to analyse the associations between third molar status and orofacial pain. Results Individuals with impacted third molars in the maxilla had a higher chance of chronic orofacial pain than those with erupted third molars (odds ratio 2.19; 95% CI 1.19‐4.02). No such association was detected for third molars in the lower jaw. Third molars were not associated with masticatory muscle pain, migraine or other types of headache. Conclusions Impacted maxillary third molars might be a cause of chronic orofacial pain. Thus, physicians should consider the eruption/impaction status of third molars in their decision‐making process when treating patients who complain of orofacial pain.