Periodontal damage to third molars prior to transplantation. A histometric study

The aim of the present investigation was to determine the magnitude of surgically produced periodontal damage to third molars before transplantation. For this purpose, 30 impacted third molars were retrieved by a tissue-conserving surgical technique whereas 30 others were removed by a conventional technique. The surgically induced damage to the periodontal membrane showed a variable histological pattern. A significant reduction of the damage to desmodontal fibers and the cementum was achieved by using a special technique of removal.