EVALUATION OF TREATMENT SUCCESS RATE AND COMPLICATIONS IN SURGICAL REMOVAL OF IMPACTED THIRD MOLARS: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY AT A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE
Main Article Content
Keywords
Third molar extraction, Impacted teeth, Surgical complications, Alveolar osteitis, Treatment outcomes
Abstract
: Surgical extraction of impacted third molars is one of the most frequently performed procedures in oral and maxillofacial surgery, associated with various postoperative complications that can affect treatment outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the treatment success rate and identify complications following surgical removal of impacted third molars at a tertiary care institution in Central India.
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at Peoples College of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bhopal, from March 2021 to August 2021. A total of 142 patients aged 18-50 years who underwent surgical extraction of impacted third molars were enrolled using consecutive sampling. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, impaction patterns classified according to Winter and Pell & Gregory systems, intraoperative parameters, and postoperative complications were recorded. Patients were followed up at predetermined intervals up to three months postoperatively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests.
Results: The sample comprised 59.2% females with a mean age of 27.3 years. Mesioangular impaction was most common (40.8%), followed by horizontal impaction (25.4%). The overall complication rate was 60.6%, with major complications occurring in 18.3% of cases. Swelling was the most frequent complication (54.9%), followed by pain (36.6%), trismus (31.0%), and alveolar osteitis (8.5%). Nerve injuries occurred in 4.2% of patients, with complete recovery achieved in 66.7%. The overall treatment success rate was 90.1%, with 93.0% demonstrating normal socket healing.
Conclusion: Surgical removal of impacted third molars achieved a high success rate with acceptable complication profiles. Age, depth of impaction, and surgical duration were significant predictive factors for complications.
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Dr. Dinesh Solanki
Associate Professor, Department of Dentistry, Peoples College of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.