[Severe complications after surgical removal of wisdom teeth]

Between 1988 and 1992, 14,765 impacted third molars were removed in the Department for Maxillofacial Surgery of the University Hospital and Dental Clinic in Zurich. A report on significant complications is given and compared to previous studies. Special attention is given to major complications which needed hospitalisation and/or surgical intervention, like secondary infection of the head and neck region, mediastinal emphysema, mandibular fractures and dislocation of third molars, which could not be removed under local anaesthesia. Mediastinitis, excessive bleeding or permanent damage to cranial nerves were not encountered in these 5 years, but are reviewed. Serious postoperative complications can be life-threatening if not diagnosed correctly and managed accordingly.