Impacted third molar extractions-are we following any recommended guidelines?

ABSTRACT

Among the minor oral surgeries done by an oral surgeon and surgeries carried out in the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery all over the world third molar removal is one of the most frequent procedures done. The procedure is accompanied by significant risks, with possible damage to the inferior alveolar and/or lingual nerve being of special concern. Considering these risks of mor-bidity, it is essential to establish the need of removal. National Institute of Clinical Excellence [NICE] in the United Kingdom introduced guidelines for removal of third molars in 2000, advocating that only pathological third molars should be removed. The following article makes reference to a study carried out in Ireland where third molars are extracted in accordance with NICE guidelines. This study was carried out to assess the compliance of general dental practitioners and oral surgeons to the NICE guidelines. It was noted that 90% of the patients referred for third molars extraction fulfilled the criteria set forth by NICE.A few modification were carried out in the guidelines provided which were done under scientific evidence based knowledge i.e. Prophylactic extraction of impacted third molars. These guidelines cut down lot of unnecessary referrals and allowed for organization of the patient load by the secondary referral center, as well as limiting unnecessary surgeries and postoperative complications. It is suggestive that the governing authorities in Pakistan should also implement such guidelines for extractions of impacted third molars