[Postoperative follow-up after extraction of an impacted lower third molar]

On the basis of an anatomo-surgical classification adopted in our Department, that divides impacted lower third molars into (1) ectopic, (2) dystopic and (3) in the proper anatomical site, and the latter into Class A (complete bone impaction without pathology of the second molar), Class B (mucosal impaction with pathology of the second molar: Subclass B1, if the mucosa distal to the second molar is of a normal amount; Subclass B2, if the retromolar mucosa is plentiful), and Class C (mucosal semi-impaction), the authors carried out a comparative study on 20 patients who underwent extraction of both Class C lower third molars.

These operations were performed, in each patient, on one side raising an Archer's flap and on the other introducing a modification of the incision lines using Z-plasty for flap design. The patients were examined from the first postoperative hours up to the 7th day following a protocol aimed at monitoring the postoperative variables pain, edema, trismus, infection and healing time.

The preliminary results, analyzed by Student's "t"-test, are statistically significant (p < 0.05), and favour the hypothesis that the technical modification proposed for the flap, by permitting a better closure of the socket, involves a lesser incidence of postoperative complications and in any case a more comfortable postoperative course.