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Management of asymptomatic impacted wisdom teeth: a multicentre comparison
1Department of Oral Surgery, Glasgow Dental Hospital and School, University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
The British Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
|October 1, 1996
Summary
Clinician opinions on managing asymptomatic impacted wisdom teeth differ significantly between Hong Kong and Glasgow. Hong Kong oral and maxillofacial surgeons showed a stronger preference for extraction compared to their Glasgow counterparts.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Oral Surgery
- Dental Public Health
Background:
- Management of unerupted Mandibular Asymptomatic Impacted Wisdom Teeth (MAIWT) presents clinical challenges.
- Divergent opinions among dental professionals can impact treatment protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare clinician opinions on MAIWT management between Glasgow and Hong Kong.
- To investigate potential differences in decision-making rationale between general dental practitioners and oral and maxillofacial surgeons.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based study involving 24 clinicians (12 from Glasgow, 12 from Hong Kong).
- Participants included general dental practitioners (GDPs) and oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMS).
- Clinicians reviewed 21 orthopantomographs of MAIWT cases.
Main Results:
- Hong Kong clinicians demonstrated a statistically significant higher tendency towards extraction of MAIWT compared to Glasgow clinicians.
- Significant differences in extraction preference were observed between Hong Kong OMS and Glasgow OMS, and between Hong Kong OMS and Hong Kong GDP.
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeons in Hong Kong showed the strongest inclination for extraction.
Conclusions:
- There is considerable diversity in clinical opinions regarding the management of MAIWT.
- The decision to extract or retain MAIWT remains controversial, influenced by geographical and professional factors.
- Medico-legal and financial considerations may contribute to differing management strategies.