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Economic aspects of mandibular third molar surgery
Rolf Liedholm1, Kerstin Knutsson, Anders Norlund
1Oral Surgery and Oral Medicine, Faculty of Odontology, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden. rolf.liedholm@mah.se
Acta Odontologica Scandinavica
|November 12, 2009
Summary
The societal cost of mandibular third molar surgery, including patient absence from work, significantly exceeds direct surgical expenses. Careful consideration of surgical indications is crucial for minimizing overall costs.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Health Economics
- Dental Public Health
Background:
- Mandibular third molar surgery is a common procedure.
- Understanding the full economic impact, including societal costs, is essential for healthcare planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the direct and indirect costs associated with mandibular third molar surgery.
- To analyze costs from both a dental care and a societal perspective.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cost analysis involving 64 patients from three Swedish specialist clinics.
- Inclusion of direct costs (labor, materials, services) and indirect costs (patient absence, transportation) identified via surveys.
Main Results:
- The average direct cost of surgery was €217 per patient.
- Including indirect costs (patient absence, transportation) increased the total average cost to €550 per patient.
- Approximately 86% of patients reported some period of absence from work post-surgery.
Conclusions:
- Indirect costs, primarily patient time lost, were higher than direct surgical costs.
- Appropriate patient selection and surgical indications can reduce complications and associated individual and societal economic burdens.
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