Risk factors in oroantral communication while extracting the upper third molar: Systematic review

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Dental Imaging

Background:

• Upper third molar extraction is common in oral surgery, generally with low complications.
• Potential risks include oroantral communication, tuberosity fracture, and root fracture.
• Current standard imaging (orthopantomograms) lacks proven tools for predicting specific complications like oroantral communication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review risk factors associated with upper third molar extraction.
• To evaluate the utility of orthopantomograms and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in assessing these risks.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of literature on maxillary third molar extraction.
• Analysis of studies utilizing orthopantomograms and CBCT for preoperative assessment.
• Focus on identifying risk factors and their correlation with surgical outcomes.

Main Results:

• Orthopantomograms are standard but limited in predicting oroantral communication.
• Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) offers advanced 3D imaging, potentially improving risk assessment.
• CBCT's ability to eliminate superimposition and provide detailed visualization may enhance prediction of complications.

Conclusions:

• CBCT presents a promising innovative technique for improved preoperative assessment in upper third molar surgery.
• Further research is needed to fully establish CBCT's role in predicting specific complications like oroantral communication.
• Optimizing imaging techniques can lead to reduced morbidity and improved patient outcomes in third molar extractions.