Evaluation of postoperative complications after removal of mandibular third molar by conventional bur technique and lingual split technique

Abstract

Aim: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect and safety including postoperative outcomes in the extraction of impacted mandibular third molar by conventional bur technique and lingual split technique.

Methods, Selection Criteria, and Search Strategy: A total of 40 healthy individuals, both male and female, aged from 18 to 40 years, underwent surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars under local anesthesia in a single session. An intensive electronic search was conducted on Google, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Directory of Open Access Journals, Ovid Medline, and Cochrane Central online databases from their respective inception dates to November 2020. Initially, the search criteria included the terms: ((mandibular OR lower) AND (third molar OR wisdom) AND lingual split). The following outcomes were investigated: pain, swelling, trismus, and dry socket on the first day before surgery, the second (post 24 h), and on the seventh day.

Results and Observations: The present retrospective comparative study evaluates the postoperative complications after the removal of the third molar. A total of 40 subjects of either sex were randomized to be treated either with the conventional bur technique (Group A) or the lingual split technique (Group B). The ages of Groups A and B ranged from 19 to 40 years and from 19 to 42 years, respectively, with a mean ± SD of 26.20 ± 6.01 and 27.15 ± 6.21 years, respectively. The mean age of Group B was slightly higher than Group A. Comparing the mean age of the two groups, t-test revealed similar (P > 0.05) age between the two groups (26.20 ± 6.01 vs. 27.15 ± 6.21, t = 0.49; P = 0.626). The subjects in both groups were age-matched, suggesting that age may have had minimal influence on the outcome measures (swelling, trismus, and pain). Conclusion: In the realm of mandibular third molar (M3) extraction, it is acknowledged that this surgical procedure can present challenges, and there exists a diversity of professional approaches between dentists and oral surgeons. Prior to determining a treatment course for each M3, it is imperative to possess a comprehensive understanding of the pertinent anatomical structures, including the inferior dental and lingual nerves. Additionally, a thorough clinical assessment and the utilization of radiographic imaging are essential for carefully evaluating each case and balancing the advantages and disadvantages of various treatment plans. Timely removal of the third molar (tooth M3) can significantly reduce the adverse complications associated with delayed extraction.