Pre- and postoperative management techniques. Before and after. Part 2: the removal of third molars

This article aims to highlight the strengths and weaknesses within the selected evidence to aid readers in clinical decision-making when managing patients before and after third molar surgery. Preoperative methods to prevent nerve damage, including the use of computed tomography (CT), are discussed. Preoperative considerations are also summarised, including risk factors such as increasing the occurrence of nerve deficit, weakness and damage, and the role of cone beam CT and when this should be used. The postoperative complications pain, swelling and infection are considered and the available evidence for the use of different protocols, regimes and combinations of therapies summarised.