Factors associated with complications of removal of third molars: a transversal study

The purpose of this study is to estimate the overall frequency of complications associated with third molars (M3) removal and to identify the risk factors associated with these complications.

To the transversal analysis, a researcher confidentially reviewed the records of all M3 surgery patients. The predictor variables were demographic (i.e. age and gender), localization and position of third molar, bone removal and tooth sectioning.

210 patients had one or more third molars teeth removed, a total of 605 teeth. The sample's mean age was 21.6±9.2 years, with 1,4 woman to 1 man. Postoperative complications were recorded in 54 extractions of third molars. The most common complications were infection (42.6%), followed by radicular fractures (11.1%) and gingival alterations (11.1%). Complications were significantly affected by 3 factors: age over 25 years old (p=0.002--OR 2.21), location (p=0.006--OR 2.36), bone removal (p=0.002--OR 3.03) and tooth sectioning (p=0.00002--OR 3.59).

The results of these analyses suggest that age, location of the tooth, bone removal and tooth sectioning appear to be associated with a higher complication rate for M3 extractions.