Factors affecting number of third molars extracted in a single visit

This cross-sectional study evaluated the number and characteristics of third molars extracted in a single visit in primary care and their associations with patient's age and sex and operator's experience.

The data included all appointments where routine and surgical extractions of third molars were performed in 2016 in primary care of the City of Helsinki. Statistics included χ² and Mann-Whitney U tests, and binomial logistic regression.

In total of 10,894 appointments, the number of extracted third molars was 12,728, yielding an average of 1.2 third molars per visit. Mean age of patients (55% women, 45% men) at extraction was 32.2 years (range 12 - 97 years). Most appointments (83.7%, n = 9,118) comprised extraction of one, 15.8% two, 0.4% three, and 0.1% four third molars. Number of teeth extracted at a time did not differ by sex. Increasing age was associated with a reduction in the likelihood of several third molar extractions in a visit (OR 0.96; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.96-0.97). Multiple third molars were extracted significantly more likely if the operator was experienced (OR 2.32; 95%CI 1.90-2.84). Multiple extractions were also associated with the mandible, operative extractions, unerupted teeth and caries.

Third molars were typically extracted one at a time. In health care units, it is appropriate to consider extraction of several third molars in a single visit, if need for extraction of other third molars exist. Concentrating the extractions of younger patients on experienced operators would reduce the number of patients' visits.