Impacted mandibular third molars: pattern of presentation and postoperative complications

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the occurrence, characteristics and postoperative complications of impacted mandibular third molars in 260 patients from Oct 2008 to July 2010. Clinical and radiographic examinations were carried out. Data regarding the age, gender, angulations type, depth and width of impactions and postoperative complications were evaluated and analyzed. The age ranged from 17 to 59 years with high frequency occurring in 3rd decade. The common cause for extraction was pericoronitis. Mesioangular impaction was most common [n=124, 48%] followed by vertical [n=90, 34%]. Majority of the patients presented with Class IIA [n=84, 32.3%] followed by IA [n=61, 23.5%]. Postoperative complications included persistent pain and swelling [16.5%] followed by dry socket [4.2%] and trismus [4.2%]. There was a greater risk of developing complications in horizontal and distoangular types, and in Class IIIC and IIIA impactions