[Germectomy of the lower third molars. Follow up studies on 71 patients]

The clinical research was carried on in the department of Oral Surgery of the Maxillo-Facial Surgery Division of Turin University and concerned patients of an average age of 15 years. All the patients underwent the operation for orthodontic reasons. About two years after operation patients were called and underwent a check-up to see the surgical scar and to examine the health of lower second molars that could have been damaged during surgical operations for germectomy. Periodontal probings were effected around all lower second molars, therefore their mobility level an vitality were observed. Nervous alterations were researched and the authors effected a radiographic check-up to look for possible bone-loss after germectomy. According to the results obtained, the authors assert that the health of lower second molars isn't damaged by germectomy of lower third molars. So although not welcome by the young patients, the authors affirm that preventive germectomy of lower third molars compared to correct indications is a justified treatment.