Objectives: Determine the level of surgical complexity of mandibular third molars (3MM) evalued by panoramic radiographs (PAN) in a public hospital in Lima and whether it was associated with sex, age, and type of molar tooth. Materials and Methods: The 3MM sample was 289 observed in 266 PAN digital of adults ≥18 years (50.2% men, mean age: 36.44±14.86 years). The eight parameters of the Pernambuco index were: age, body mass index (18.5-24.9 or ≥25), level of the occlusal plane, available retromolar space, angle of impact, root curvature, number of roots and relationship with the 2MM. Statistic analysis was performed with the chi-square, Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: The 3MM had a moderate level of surgical complexity (54.7%) followed by mild (40.1%). The majority presented vertical impaction (48.8%), dilaceration (82.7%), two or more roots (58.8%) and contact wit...