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Mandibular second molar periodontal status after third molar extraction.
K Y Peng1, Y C Tseng, E C Shen
1Dental Department, Tao-yuan Military General Hospital, Tao-yuan, Taiwan.
Journal of Periodontology
|January 29, 2002
Summary
Surgical removal of third molars may cause periodontal issues on the adjacent second molar. Specifically, distal sites of the second molar showed greater probing depth, attachment loss, and bone loss after third molar extraction.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Periodontology
Background:
- Third molar extraction is linked to periodontal problems.
- This study evaluates long-term periodontal health of mandibular second molars after third molar extraction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the periodontal status of mandibular second molars with and without prior third molar extraction.
- To assess the long-term effects of third molar surgery on periodontal health.
Main Methods:
- Examined 312 sites in 57 adult periodontitis patients.
- Compared second molars with prior third molar extraction (experimental) to those with congenitally missing third molars (control).
- Measured probing depth, attachment loss, gingival recession, and radiographic bone levels.
Main Results:
- Distal sites of experimental molars showed increased probing depth, attachment loss, and radiographic bone loss compared to controls.
- Mesial sites did not show significant periodontal breakdown.
- Bone loss was more pronounced at distal sites adjacent to the surgical location.
Conclusions:
- Surgical removal of mandibular third molars can lead to periodontal breakdown on the distal surface of the second molar.
- Periodontal re-evaluation after third molar extraction is recommended.
- The findings highlight potential risks to adjacent teeth from third molar surgery.