Residual periodontal defects distal to the mandibular second molar 6–36 months after impacted third molar extraction

The results suggest that periodontal breakdown initiated and established on the distal surface of a mandibular second molar in the vicinity of a 'mesio-angular' impacted third molar evidenced by pre-extraction crestal radiolucency in association with inadequate plaque control after extraction can predispose to a persistent localised periodontal problem.