[Complications during and after surgical removal of mandibular third molars. Impact of patient related and anatomical factors]

Schweiz Monatsschr Zahnmed. 2008;118(3):192-8.
[Article in German]

Abstract

The estimation of possible intra- and postoperative complications for surgical removal of third molars in the mandible poses a frequent dilemma in oral surgery. In the present study, the influence of the patient's age and gender, a reduced mouth opening, and the anatomical position of the tooth in the mandible on intra- and postoperative complications were evaluated. In a total of 120 surgically removed third molars, 9.2% intraoperative complications occurred, mainly bleeding. Factors influencing the risk for intraoperative complications were a male patient, a reduced mouth opening, and distally angulated teeth. Postoperative complications were encountered in 6.7%, mainly dry sockets. For this group, a female gender, a higher age, and distally angulated teeth were identified as risk parameters. As most of the patient- and anatomy-related factors are set parameters when evaluating possible risk factors for third molar surgery, only the timepoint of surgery can be influenced by the surgeon. Regarding the increase in intra- and postoperative complications for third molar removal in higher age groups, the prophylactic third molar surgery between the age of 18 and 25 seems justified.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Dry Socket / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intraoperative Complications*
  • Male
  • Molar, Third / pathology
  • Molar, Third / surgery*
  • Postoperative Complications*
  • Range of Motion, Articular
  • Sex Factors
  • Tooth Extraction*