Association of indications for mandibular third molar coronectomy and the Pell and Gregory and the Winter classification systems

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine how the surgeon’s decision to perform a mandibular third molar coronectomy or surgical removal is associated with the impaction pattern as classified using Pell and Gregory or Winter’s system. Methods: This observational, cross-sectional study was conducted on 813 mandibular third molars belonging to 565 patients. All patients were referred for removal of the mandibular third molar and had radiographic signs indicating a close relationship with the inferior alveolar nerve. Panoramic images were classified according to the impaction pattern. Results: A coronectomy was performed on 492 (60.5%) mandibular third molars. Most impacted mandibular third molars were class IIB with a mesioangular inclination. A significant association was found between the Pell and Gregory classification and the surgeon’s choice (p = 0.002). Winter’s classification was not significantly associated with surgeon choice (p = 0.425). Conclusion: Mandibular third molar coronectomy is chosen more frequently than surgical removal if molars are class III and position B. Trial registration number: Not applicable.