An Assessment of Factors Influencing the Difficulty in Third Molar Surgery

Surgical removal of a mandibular impacted third molar is one among the most common oral surgical procedures. The objective of this study was to assess and identify risk indicators influencing extended operation time in relation to the surgical removal of mesioangular impacted mandibular third molar, position A, Class I and to evaluate the incidence of postoperative swelling, trismus, and pain.

A prospective cohort was implemented and the patients who presented for mandibular third molar removal which were impacted in position A, Class I were enlisted for the study. During 1 year between July 2014 and June 2015, a total of 40 patients were enrolled in the study. The evaluation of patient variables and radiographic variables was done preoperatively. Depending on the duration of time taken for an operation, patients were divided into three groups: Group I, Group II, and Group III. Postoperative complications such as swelling, trismus, and pain were assessed in each of the patients.

The statistical analysis was done among the groups using Chi-square test, and ANOVA.

Among the six variables studied in this study including patient variables and radiographic variables, maximum interincisal opening, external oblique ridge, and root morphology were found to be dependent factors which influence the operating time. Moreover, other variables such as the crown root width ratio and the number of roots were independent factors. Swelling, trismus, and pain were statistically significant among groups and were directly related to operating time.

We consider that the outcome of surgical removal of mandibular impacted third molar, position A, Class I depends significantly on relevant patients characteristics and radiographic variables which should be evaluated preoperatively as they are predetermined factors to avoid postoperative morbidity.