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Background: Extraction of mandibular third molars (M3Ms) is a routine procedure in oral and maxillofacial surgery, often associated with postoperative symptoms like pain, facial swelling, and trismus. This study aimed to introduce a standardized and automated protocol for swelling analysis following M3M surgery, presenting results regarding clinical conditions immediately and one-week after surgery., Methods: In a prospective study, 35 patients were enrolled (mean age: 24.4 ± 5.8 years) for removal of 54 M3Ms. Facial swelling was evaluated through 3D facial scans before surgery (T0), at three days (T1), and seven days (T2) post-surgery. The open-source software 3DSlicer facilitated automated analysis, including data anonymization, orientation, surface registration, qualitative comparisons, linear measurements, and volumetric quantification. Pairwise superimposition of facial models enabled qualitative, vectorial, and quantitative assessments, comparing initial conditions with swelling development at T1 and T2. Additionally, changes between T1 and T2 were also evaluated. Secondary outcomes encompassed clinical evaluations of pain, trismus (maximum mouth opening), and surgery time. Statistical analysis involved the paired Student t-test to assess longitudinal changes and analysis of variance to evaluate outcome variables concerning difficulty scores. Linear regression models correlated primary outcome variables with secondary study variables (α < 0.05)., Results: Longitudinal analysis demonstrated significant but variable facial swelling, pain, and trismus at T1, followed by improvement at T2 (p < 0.001). Linear and volumetric differences correlated positively with surgery time (p < 0.05). A direct proportionality between linear and volume differences was observed, higher values at T1 correlated with higher values at T2 (p < 0.05)., Conclusions: An innovative digital workflow for precise quantification of postoperative facial changes was implemented, incorporating volumetric measurements that surpass linear assessments. Clinical conditions demonstrated a direct correlation with surgery time, deteriorating immediately and improving one-week after surgery., Competing Interests: Declarations Ethics approval and consent to participate The experimental protocol was approved by the ethical committee of Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Italy (n. 465/2020). Informed consent was diligently acquired from all subjects and/or their legal guardians. Consent for publication Not applicable. Competing interests The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of applying real-time dynamic navigation (RDN) in the extraction of deep horizontal mandibular impacted third molars, hypothesizing that RDN reduces surgical time and minimizes the risk of injury to adjacent anatomical structures., Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 160 patients aged between 18 and 37 years with deep horizontal impaction of the mandibular third molar. The participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (receiving RDN-assisted extractions) or the control group (undergoing traditional extraction methods). Preoperative planning utilized cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and Mimics software for the accurate localization and segmentation of impacted teeth. Parametric data were analysed via an independent t test for intergroup comparisons, and significance was set to p < 0.05., Results: In the experimental group, an average of 11 ± 1 min was required for preoperative planning via RDN, which was not required in the control group. The setup of the navigation system took an average of 4 ± 1 min in the experimental group and 0 min in the control group. The experimental group demonstrated a significantly shorter average surgical time (22 ± 3 min) than did the control group (36 ± 3 min). The differences in the preoperative design time, surgical time, and complication rates between the two groups were statistically significant (p = 0.005). Additionally, the RDN group reported no complications related to adjacent tooth damage or nerve injury., Conclusion: The precision, safety, real-time guidance of RDN supports its use in complicated dental extractions, which would introduce a new era of oral and maxillofacial surgery., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Third molar (M3) extraction is a common surgery in oral and maxillofacial surgery, and composite wound dressings such as hydroxybutyl chitosan (HBC) may improve postoperative sequala following M3 removal., Purpose: The study purpose was to measure and compare differences in pain, swelling, trismus, wound healing, and quality of life (QOL) between the HBC and the control sides in patients undergoing M3 removal., Study Design, Setting, Sample: This study is a double-blind, split-mouth, randomized clinical trial. Patients who required M3 removal between June 2022 and May 2023 were included. Exclusion criteria included seafood allergies, smoking, poor oral hygiene, and systemic diseases., Predictor Variable: The predictor variable was the socket treatment technique. Subjects were randomly assigned to the HBC or control (physiological saline) side., Main Outcome Variable: The primary outcome variables, including pain assessed by visual analog scale, swelling, and maximal incisional opening, were measured on the first, third, and seventh postoperative days. The secondary outcome variables included QOL and wound healing score measured on the third and seventh days after surgery., Covariates: The covariates included age, sex, and operation time., Analyses: The Shapiro‒Wilk test was used to evaluate the normality of the data distribution. The paired t test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test was adopted. Statistical significance was set at P < .05., Results: The study included 60 patients (mean age: 25.81 ± 4.91; 23 (38%) males, 37 (62%) females). A statistically significant difference in the level of pain (HBC: 37.58 ± 4.39 mm, control: 47.00 ± 4.33 mm, day 1, P < .001; 21.88 ± 3.25 mm, 35.95 ± 1.57 mm, day 3, P < .001), maximal incisional opening (23.92 ± 1.38 mm, 18.22 ± 1.82 mm, day 1, P < .001; 30.00 ± 1.61 mm, 23.78 ± 1.70 mm, day 3, P < .001), and swelling (6.86 ± 0.70 mm, 7.15 ± 0.80 mm, day 3, P = .006) was detected after surgery. A statistically significant difference in QOL was detected (HBC: 13.70 ± 1.65, control: 18.60 ± 2.14, day 3, P < .001)., Conclusion and Relevance: The application of HBC hydrogels to wounds after impacted mandibular M3 extraction reduces postoperative sequalae, promotes wound healing and improves postoperative QOL., (Copyright © 2024 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

BACKGROUND Surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molars is the most commonly performed procedure in oral surgery; its associated complications include sensory nerve damage, swelling, and trismus. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of hyaluronic acid (HA) on healing of the socket following extraction of the lower impacted third molar tooth in 40 dental patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS This prospective, double-blind, randomized, controlled study was carried out on 40 adult healthy patients indicated for surgical removal of bilateral impacted mandibular third molars with equal surgical difficulty (moderate surgical difficulty according to the Koerner index. Patients with right mandibular third molars were included into the study (HA) group and those with left mandibular third molars were included into the control group. Surgical removal of impacted teeth was performed at different times for each patient for proper measurement of postoperative clinical variables, including pain, swelling, and mouth opening. RESULTS Postoperative pain evaluation results using the visual analog scale (VAS) showed reduced pain levels at all observation periods. Postoperative swelling peaked in intensity within 12-48 hours, resolving between the 5th and 7th days, and there was no significant difference in pre- and postoperative measurements of interincisal opening between both groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS We found that intra-socket application of hyaluronic acid after surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molars promoted normal wound healing, and there was a clinical benefit of reduced postoperative pain and swelling.

Background-Objective(s): This randomized, split-mouth study aimed to compare postoperative complications following the surgical extraction of impacted lower third molars using piezosurgery versus conventional rotary instruments., Materials and Methods: Twenty-one patients, aged 18-35 years, with bilaterally and symmetrically impacted lower third molars, were randomly assigned to undergo extraction using piezosurgery on one side and conventional rotary instruments on the other., Results: The piezosurgery method required a longer operation time. However, it resulted in quicker resolution of postoperative swelling by the 7th day compared to the conventional method, where swelling persisted longer. Mandibular angle-tragus measurements were significantly higher with the conventional method on the 1st, 3rd, and 7th postoperative days. Although mouth opening decreased significantly after piezosurgery, it returned to preoperative levels by the 7th day, outperforming the conventional method. Postoperative pain was notably higher with the conventional method during the first four days but showed no significant difference from the 5th day onward. Alveolar bone healing was significantly better with piezosurgery at the 3rd and 6th months. Temporary paresthesia occurred in one patient from the conventional group, resolving within four weeks. Neither method resulted in alveolar osteitis., Conclusion(s): Within the study's limitations, piezosurgery demonstrated a reduction in postoperative discomfort, suggesting its advantage in enhancing patient recovery following lower third molar extractions., Clinical Significance: Piezosurgery, when used appropriately, can reduce postoperative complications compared to conventional methods. Clinicians should be aware of its indications, benefits, and potential challenges. Trial registration This study was registered as a clinical trial to the ClinicalTrials.gov, and the registration ID is NCT06262841 ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06262841 )., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

This study explored the effects of L-PRF on pain, soft tissue healing, periodontal condition, and post-extraction bone repair of mandibular third molars (3Ms). A randomized, prospective, triple-blind, split-mouth clinical trial was conducted with 34 volunteers. Eligible patients were randomly allocated into two treatments: G1 (without L-PRF), G2 (alveoli filled with L-PRF), in which the removal of bilateral 3Ms was performed at the same surgical time. Outcomes were assessed according to a visual analogue scale (pain), soft tissue scoring system (wound healing), periodontal probing of mandibular second molar. Bone repair was determined by volumetric analysis (ITK-SNAP software) and fractal analysis (ImageJ software). An intention-to-treat approach to Statistical analysis was used. L-PRF reduced pain in the 7-day postoperative follow-up (p = 0.019) and not only improved soft tissue healing after 1 month of follow-up (p = 0.021), but also probing depth (distal face) in 3 months postoperatively (p = 0.011). Significant alveolar reduction occurred in 3 months after surgery in both treatments (p < 0.05), however, this was more significant in G1 (p = 0.016). The fractal dimension showed no statistical differences. L-PRF improved postoperative clinical parameters of pain, soft tissue healing, and periodontal condition, suggesting that it has a beneficial effect on preserving the alveolar ridge and accelerating the initial repair process.

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine if a deep learning (DL) model can predict the surgical difficulty for impacted maxillary third molar tooth using panoramic images before surgery., Materials and Methods: The dataset consists of 708 panoramic radiographs of the patients who applied to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic for various reasons. Each maxillary third molar difficulty was scored based on dept (V), angulation (H), relation with maxillary sinus (S), and relation with ramus (R) on panoramic images. The YoloV5x architecture was used to perform automatic segmentation and classification. To prevent re-testing of images, participate in the training, the data set was subdivided as: 80 % training, 10 % validation, and 10 % test group., Results: Impacted Upper Third Molar Segmentation model showed best success on sensitivity, precision and F1 score with 0,9705, 0,9428 and 0,9565, respectively. S-model had a lesser sensitivity, precision and F1 score than the other models with 0,8974, 0,6194, 0,7329, respectively., Conclusion: The results showed that the proposed DL model could be effective for predicting the surgical difficulty of an impacted maxillary third molar tooth using panoramic radiographs and this approach might help as a decision support mechanism for the clinicians in peri‑surgical period., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Background: The extraction of horizontally impacted mandibular third molars (HM3) can be a complicated surgery. Appropriate tooth sectioning methods can reduce the operation time and postoperative complications., Purpose: The current study compares operative time and postoperative pain between HM3 removed using the three-piece or T-shaped tooth sectioning techniques., Study Design, Setting, Sample: A randomized single-blind prospective clinical trial on HM3 extraction was carried out between June and December 2022 in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the Affiliated Stomatological Hospital, Southwest Medical University. Patients with local or systemic infection, poor oral hygiene, and systemic disease were excluded., Predictor Variable: The predictor variable was the tooth sectioning method. The subjects were randomized to a three-piece or T-shaped group., Main Outcome Variable(s): The primary outcome variables were the operative time and postoperative pain measured using a visual analog scale (VAS). The secondary outcome variables were the rates of primary bleeding, mouth opening reduction, swelling, patient satisfaction measured using a VAS, and quality of life measured using a postoperative symptom severity scale., Covariates: The covariates included age, sex, side and classification of HM3, and the relationship of HM3 to the inferior alveolar nerve canal., Analyses: The data were analyzed using the independent samples t-test, paired t-test, χ 2 , and rank sum test. A significance level set at P < .05., Results: The sample included 60 patients in the three-piece group and 66 patients in the T-shaped group. The operative time of the three-piece group (14.73 ± 3.21 minutes) was shorter than that of the T-shaped group (19.25 ± 4.29 minutes) (P < .05). On days 3 and 7, VAS of pain were 2.24 ± 1.89 and 0.15 ± 0.40 in the three-piece group and 3.95 ± 2.44 and 0.48 ± 0.68 in the T-shaped group (P < .05). The VAS of patient satisfaction in the three-piece group (6.05 ± 1.29) was better than the T-shaped group (4.90 ± 1.05) on day 7 (P < .05)., Conclusion and Relevance: The three-piece tooth sectioning for HM3 removal was associated with shorter duration, slighter postoperative symptoms, and higher patient satisfaction and may be considered as a recommended practice for dentists., (Copyright © 2024 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background and Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a single preoperative dose of deflazacort on pain, swelling, and trismus after impacted lower third molar surgery. Materials and Methods : This randomised, prospective, double-blind, split-mouth clinical study included 26 healthy individuals with bilaterally impacted lower third molars. Group 1 was given a placebo (single-dose vitamin C tablet), and group 2 was given a single 30 mg dose of deflazacort 1 h prior to surgery. Pain was evaluated using the visual analogue scale for 1 week postoperatively. Oedema (in mm) and trismus (in mm) were evaluated preoperatively and on postoperative days 2 and 7. The Mann-Whitney U test was applied for group analyses. p values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results : Postoperative pain scores were significantly lower in the deflazacort group at the 6th and 12th hours after surgery ( p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in trismus between the groups at any time point ( p > 0.05). There was less oedema in the deflazacort group on postoperative days 2 and 7, without any statistically significant difference ( p > 0.05). Conclusions : A single preoperative dose of 30 mg deflazacort was found to be clinically effective in reducing pain and oedema after extraction of impacted lower third molars.

This study compared the safety of general anesthesia (GA) and intravenous sedation (IVS) in patients who underwent extraction of one or more third molars. Data from 1260 patients (GA group, n = 1043; IVS group, n = 217) were retrospectively analyzed, including demographics, preoperative data, intraoperative hemodynamic parameters (blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation level), and medications administered intraoperatively and postoperatively. The incidence of intraoperative circulatory variations, surgery and anesthesia durations, postoperative complications, and medication use were assessed and compared. The GA group had longer anesthesia and surgery durations, a higher incidence of hypotension, and a higher frequency of postoperative analgesic use than the IVS group. Dexmedetomidine was the most frequently used sedative agent. The IVS group had a lower incidence of intraoperative hypotension but they had a higher need for vasopressors in the recovery room. Both anesthesia methods maintained satisfactory oxygen saturation levels and sufficient anesthesia throughout the procedure, but they showed different characteristics regarding the duration of surgery and anesthesia duration, hemodynamic stability, and postoperative analgesic needs. IVS may be preferable for patients at risk of cardiovascular complications such as hypotension or tachycardia during surgery., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Photobiomodulation is a safe option for controlling pain, edema, and trismus when applied postoperatively in third molar surgery. However, administration prior to surgery has been under-explored. This study aims to explore the effectiveness of pre-emptive photobiomodulation in reducing postoperative edema in impacted lower third molar extractions. Two groups of healthy individuals undergoing tooth extraction will be randomly assigned: Control group receiving pre-emptive corticosteroid and simulated photobiomodulation, and Photobiomodulation Group receiving intraoral low-intensity laser and extraoral LED cluster application. The primary outcome will be postoperative edema after 48 h. The secondary outcomes will be pain, trismus dysphagia, and analgesic intake (paracetamol). These outcomes will be assessed at baseline as well as two and seven days after surgery. Adverse effects will be recorded. Data will be presented as means ± SD and a p-value < 0.05 will be indicative of statistical significance., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2024 Salaberry et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Background and Objectives : The role of surgical extraction of the third molar in patients' sleep quality remains unclear, although it is one of the most common oral surgical procedures. The aim of this study is to assess the changes in patient-reported sleep health outcomes after third molar surgery and to investigate any associations between sleep parameters and post-extraction pain. Materials and Methods : Young adults without known comorbidities who were in need of mandibular third molar surgical extraction were included. All participants completed a sleep diary, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) questionnaires, which were used to assess sleep habits, daytime sleepiness, sleep quality and insomnia severity one week before and after extraction. In addition, a visual analog scale was completed postoperatively to assess the perception of pain. Results : Out of 75 patients who completed the study protocol, 32 (42.7%) were males and 43 (57.3%) were females, with a mean age of 24.01 (±3.43) years. Postoperatively, statistically significant higher scores were observed for PSQI [4.85 (±2.32) before vs. 5.39 (±2.75) after, p = 0.041], AIS [5.56 (±3.23) before vs. 6.91 (±4.06) after, p < 0.001] and average weekly number of nocturnal awakenings [2.01 (±3.72) before vs. 4.19 (±5.20) after, p < 0.001] but not for ESS, average weekly sleep duration and average weekly sleep onset latency. Pain perception was increased in patients who slept worse on almost all seven postoperative days, although this did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions : Third molar surgery impacts sleep quality and insomnia severity in the first week after extraction, while there is no effect on daytime sleepiness. The worsening of subjective sleep symptoms after extraction may be associated with an increased perception of pain.

Objective: We will perform the systematic review to evaluate the effect of applying concentrated growth factor (CGF) on relieving postoperative complications and promoting wound healing following mandibular third molar extraction., Methods: The PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, China Biology Medicine Disc (CBM), and VIP Databases will be comprehensively searched up to May 31, 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the application of CGF after mandibular third molar extraction will be included. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO, and the registration ID was CRD42023463234. Two reviewers will conduct the literature search, eligible study selection, data extraction, and bias risk assessment (using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool). Data analysis will be performed with RevMan software (version 5.4)., Results: The results of this study will be available in a peer-reviewed journal., Conclusion: Our study will provide scientific evidence regarding the efficacy of applying CGF in mandibular third molar extraction., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2024 Zhang et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of concentrated growth factor (CGF) on prevention of postoperative complications in the impacted third molar extraction., Materials and Methods: A total of 25 healthy patients with symmetrical bilaterally impacted third molars (50 extraction sites) were enrolled in this split-mouth, randomized, double-blind clinical trial. Third molar extractions were performed in both sites of the mandible at the same appointment. Randomization was performed using a coin toss to choose the test and control sites. CGF was placed in the extraction socket and the socket was sutured (test group), while the contralateral socket was only sutured (control group). Each patient acted as their own control. The primary outcome were pain assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) and facial swelling on the1st, 3rd and 7th postoperative days. The secondary outcomes were bone healing in extraction sockets through alveolar bone height (ABH) and alveolar bone density (ABD) evaluated by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) immediately after extraction and in the 3rd and 6th months., Results: Twenty-five patients (12 female, 13 male; mean age 29.17) with bilateral impacted third molars participated in the study. A statistically significant reduction in pain was determined on the 3rd and 7th postoperative days in the CGF sites compared to the control sites while no statistically significant difference was found between the groups on the 1st postoperative day (3rd day, p = 0.009; 7th day, p = 0.039). There were no statistically significant differences in facial swelling and bone healing between the test and control groups at different time intervals, although the data obtained were slightly favoring the CGF group (p > 0.05). There were no serious adverse effects such as infection, alveolitis, paraesthesia, fracture through the follow-up period in all of the cases., Conclusion: The study has demonstrated the effect of CGF on relieving the severity of pain after the third molar extraction., Clinical Relevance: Placement of CGF in the extraction socket could relieve postoperative pain and reduce patient discomfort after the third molar extraction. CGF is recommended during the third molar extraction due to its good biological effects, low cost and simple preparation procedures., Trial Registration Number: ChiCTR2300077819., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: The most severe complication that can occur after mandibular third molar (MM3) surgery is inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) damage. It is crucial to have a comprehensive radiographic evaluation to reduce the possibility of nerve damage. The objective of this study is to assess the diagnostic accuracy of panoramic radiographs (PR) and posteroanterior (PA) radiographs in identifying the association between impacted MM3 roots and IAN., Methods: This study included individuals who had PR, PA radiographs, and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and who had at least one impacted MM3. A total of 141 impacted MM3s were evaluated on CBCT images, and the findings were considered gold standard. The relationship between impacted MM3 roots and IAN was also evaluated on PR and PA radiographies. The data was analyzed using the McNemar and Chi-squared tests. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and diagnostic accuracy of PR and PA radiographies were determined., Results: Considering CBCT the gold standard, the relationship between MM3 roots and IAN was found to be statistically significant between PR and CBCT (p = 0.00). However, there was no statistically significant relationship between PA radiography and CBCT (0.227). The study revealed that the most prevalent limitation of the PR in assessing the relationship between MM3 roots and IAN was the identification of false-positive relationship., Conclusions: PA radiography may be a good alternative in developing countries to find out if there is a contact between MM3 roots and IAN because it is easier to get to, cheaper, and uses less radiation., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Third molar extraction is the most common procedure in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Third molars are considered less functional than other teeth and are often extracted. Sometimes, they are also used for auto-transplantation for the benefit of oral rehabilitation. Since many biological factors are involved in this surgical approach, herein, we outline a review of the biological characteristics of medico-legal/forensic interest, in addition to presenting a successful clinical case. A scoping review of currently available research data (following the principles of PRISMA-ScR or the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) on third molar auto-transplantation was conducted by drawing upon the main databases (Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar and LILACS) to evaluate biological and clinical characteristics possibly relatable to forensic issues. All the collected data were summarized and elaborated on for the purpose of this article. A patient underwent extraction of the right upper first molar and auto-transplantation of the unerupted ipsilateral third molar. Many biologic and clinical factors are involved in the success of this clinical procedure. Knowledge of third molar anatomy, of its development and viable surgical approaches are all essential elements; just as important are the treatment of the tooth before and after transplantation and the integrity of the periodontal ligament. Follow-up of the clinical case for 5 years made it possible to verify the stability of the procedure over time. Third molar auto-transplantation is feasible and cost-effective. However, the use of third molars as donor teeth in auto-transplantation may have medico-legal implications. The lack of official protocols and consistent evidence-based guidelines for operators still prevent such a procedure from becoming mainstream; therefore, it is viewed with suspicion by clinicians and patients, even though the biological factors herein detected point to a reasonably high degree of safety. The understanding of many specific biological and clinical factors involved in the stability of third molar auto-transplantation allows for a thorough understanding of the forensic implications relevant to clinical practice. Effective communication and information provision are therefore of utmost importance, in the interest of both patients and doctors.

Purpose: To carry out a comparative evaluation of the intra- and postoperative complications, and bone healing, following bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) with or without concomitant removal of third molars., Material and Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of two cohorts subjected to BSSO with the intraoperative removal of third molars (test group) versus the removal of third molars at least 6 months prior to BSSO (control group), comprising at least 1 year of clinical and radiographic follow-up. Partially or completely erupted third molars were extracted immediately before completing the osteotomy, whereas impacted third molars were removed after the osteotomy had been performed. Hardware reinforcement was performed in bimaxillary cases where concomitant molar extraction impeded placement of the retromolar bicortical screw of the hybrid technique., Results: A total of 80 surgical sites were included (40 in each group). Concomitant extraction of the molar represented a mean increase in surgery time of 3.7 min (p < 0.001). No additional complications occurred in the test group (p = 0.476). The gain in bone density was preserved in both groups (p = 0.002), and the increase was of the same magnitude in both (p = 0.342), despite the fact that the immediate and final postoperative bone densities were significantly higher in the control group (p = 0.020)., Conclusion: The results obtained support concomitant molar extraction with BSSO as a feasible option., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: To explore the effect of extracting the completely impacted teeth by minimally invasive surgery with preserving the buccal bone plate., Methods: Eighty-six cases were selected and randomly divided into 2 groups. In the experimental group, a fenestration was made with a ball drill to expose the buccal and lingual margin of crown, and the buccal bone plate was preserved. T-shaped crown cuttings were performed, minimally invasive extraction was conducted.In the control group, the distal and buccal bone plates were removed with a ball drill, the distal and buccal crowns were exposed, and T-shaped crown was cut. The other procedures were the same. The degree of swelling, restricted mouth opening and VAS pain score after operation were observed, the levels of C-reactive protein and anti-hemolytic streptoglobulin were detected by laboratory tests, and the periodontal probing depth(PD), bleeding index (BI), and clinical attachment loss(CAL) of the adjacent second molar were examined 1 month after surgery. SPSS 25.0 software package was used for data analysis., Results: The swelling degree of the two groups was significantly relieved in the experimental group than in the control group (P＜0.05), and there was no significant difference in the degree of mouth opening limitation and pain (P＞0.05). The level of C-reactive protein in the control group was significantly higher than that in the observation group (P＜0.05). There was no significantly difference in the level of anti-hemolytic streptococcus between the 2 groups (P＞0.05). One month after operation, the PD and CAL in the control group were significantly higher than those in the experimental group(P＜0.05). There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in BI(P＞0.05)., Conclusions: The patients who preserve the buccal bone plate by minimally invasive extraction of impacted mandibular teeth have less reaction and better wound healing.

Purpose: To evaluation the effect of modified triangular flap-secondary healing (MTF-S) on the treatment of mandibular impacted wisdom teeth with full or partial bone impaction., Methods: A total of 207 patients with mandibular impacted wisdom teeth were selected in Shaoxing Stomatological Hospital from June 2022 to June 2023. Among them, 86 patients had completely impacted wisdom teeth (group A), and 121 patients had partially impacted wisdom teeth (group B). All patients had bilateral impacted wisdom teeth. One of the wisdom teeth was removed first and was sutured with triangular flap-primary healing (TF-P). The other wisdom tooth was removed two weeks later and was sutured with MTF-S. Patients in groups A and B were divided into two subgroups based on suture methods, with TF-P used for group A1 and B1, and MTF-S used for groups A2 and B2. Perioperative indicators, including surgical time, root loss rate, and completeness of extraction sockets were recorded; Postoperative complications of four groups, including pain, swelling, and limited mouth opening were compared. SPSS 22.0 software package was used for statistical analysis., Results: The surgical time of group A1, A2, B1 and B2 was (17.69±3.28), (18.22±3.06), (12.37±3.72) and (12.64±4.13) minutes, respectively. The surgical time of group A1 and A2 was significantly longer than that of group B1 and B2 (P＜0.05). Seven days after surgery, the VAS scores of group A1, A2, B1 and B2 were (1.17±0.34), (0.93±0.29), (0.48±0.15) and (0.76±0.21), respectively. The VAS scores of group B1 and B2 were lower than those of group A1 and A2, and group A2 was lower than group A1 and B2 was higher than group B1 group(P＜0.05). On the 1st day, 3rd day, and 7th day after surgery, the swelling degree in group A1 was greater than that in group B1, and the swelling degree in group B1 was greater than that in group A2 and B2(P＜0.05); while the limitation of mouth opening mouth in group A2 and B2 was lower than that in group A1 and B1, and the limitation of opening mouth in group B2 was lower than that in group A2(P＜0.05)., Conclusions: Compared with partially impacted wisdom teeth, the extraction of completely impacted wisdom teeth has a longer surgical time. For completely impacted wisdom teeth, MTF-S is beneficial for reducing postoperative pain, swelling and mouth opening limitations. For partially impacted wisdom teeth, MTF-S is beneficial for reducing postoperative swelling and mouth opening limitations, but the effect is not significant in reducing patient pain.

Background: The aim of our study is to evaluate the postoperative complications after the extraction of impacted third molar teeth and to investigate the effects of these complications on the quality of life of patients., Methods: Demographic, clinical, and radiological evaluations were conducted, covering factors like age, gender, and tooth position. Clinical measurements, pain and edema assessments, and quality of life evaluations through OHIP-14 scores were performed. Preoperative and postoperative mouth opening, trismus, alveolitis and dehiscence were evaluated., Results: A total of 100 patients were included in our study. No significant gender-based differences were found in measurements, pain, or swelling. There was no statistically significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative results of difference A-C, difference B-E, difference A-D, and difference mouth opening. Procedure duration correlated positively with age, alveolar osteitis, trismus, and swelling. Postoperative quality of life, assessed by OHIP-14, demonstrated a negative correlation with age and trismus. It was observed that the gender and the tooth positions of the patients had no effect on the severity of postoperative pain and edema., Conclusions: As the age of the patients increases and the duration of the procedure increases, the rate of postoperative complications increases and it is concluded that the quality of life decreases significantly., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Searching for third molars atraumatic removal method remains a challenge in oral surgery. Method of partial removal of impacted tooth leaving a non-extracted root in the wound becomes more popular recently. Determining medical indications for this method, as well as searching for standards for its implementation is important. The paper presents a review on latest technique of performing a coronectomy, and the long-term results of this method. However, the technique of incomplete tooth extraction is highly controversial in terms of harm to the patient's health. There are also uncertain medical indications for this method and the legal treatment consequences.

We conducted this study to assess the effect of ultrasound osteotome on surgical site wound infection and pain following removal of mandibular wisdom teeth. A computerised search of Embase, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Wanfang and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases for publicly available randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the clinical effects of applying ultrasound osteotome to extract mandibular wisdom teeth was conducted from the inception of the databases to September 2023. Two researchers independently screened the retrieved results for literature screening, quality assessment and data extraction. RevMan 5.4 software was applied for data analysis. A total of 17 RCTs were included in this study, including 848 cases in the ultrasound osteotome group and 842 cases in the control group. The analysis revealed, compared with the control group, the ultrasound osteotome group showed a significantly lower incidence of postoperative wound infection (1.42% vs. 5.46%, odds ratio [OR]: 0.30, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.17-0.53, p < 0.0001), fewer postoperative complications (6.35% vs. 22.12%, OR: 0.23, 95% CI: 0.17-0.32, p < 0.00001), shorter operative time (standardised mean differences [SMD]: -1.30, 95% CI: -1.97 to -0.64, p = 0.0001) and lower wound pain scores (SMD: -2.26 95% CI -2.80 to -1.73, p < 0.00001). Strong evidence suggests that ultrasound osteotome applied to extract mandibular wisdom teeth is more advantageous in terms of lower postoperative wound infection, less wound pain, fewer postoperative complications and shorter operative time compared with conventional treatment methods, but large-scale, multicentre RCTs are still needed to obtain more accurate results., (© 2024 The Authors. International Wound Journal published by Medicalhelplines.com Inc and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: During third molar removal, the mandible is supported by a dental assistant (DA) to counter downward forces during surgery, and with sedation, to maintain airway patency. The Restful Jaw device (PEP Design; Saint Paul) provides this support instead of the DA., Purpose: This study compared the occurrence of postoperative preauricular and masticatory muscle pain symptoms (PMMPS) between the device and DAs providing mandibular support, using two outcome measures. Secondary aims identify predictors of outcome and providers' opinions of the device., Study Design, Setting, Sample: In this multisite, single-blind, two-arm parallel randomized trial, participants without preoperative PMMPS had surgical removal of third molars, with sedation and bite blocks were randomly assigned to manual support or the device., Exposure Variable: The exposed group was randomly assigned to the device and the nonexposed group to manual support., Main Outcome Variable(s): The primary outcome was patient-reported PMMPS. Two secondary outcomes were pain assessed with the temporomandibular disorder Pain Screener and providers' views on the device. Outcomes were assessed at 1-, 3-, and 6-month postsurgery., Covariates: The covariates are baseline demographics (eg, sex), clinical characteristics (eg, eruption status), and third molar surgeries., Analyses: For occurrence of pain, generalized estimating equations assessed differences between groups. Logistic regression analysis assessed predictors of pain at 1 month, per the Screener. The level for statistical significance was 5%., Results: Enrollment was 86 and 83 participants in the device and DA groups, respectively. The average age was 20.8 years; the majority were female (65%) and Caucasian (66%). The retention rate was ≥95.9%. The groups did not differ significantly for occurrence of pain using the primary and secondary outcome measures at any follow-up (P ≥ .46). Fully impacted molars were associated with occurrence of pain (odds ratio = 3.44; 95% confidence interval 1.49-7.92; P = .004)., Conclusion and Relevance: Occurrence of pain using the primary and secondary outcome measures did not differ significantly between groups at any follow-up and was associated with removal of fully impacted third molars. Four out of five surgeons reported wanting to use the device on a regular basis when performing this procedure in sedated patients., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of simvastatin in bone regeneration in extraction sockets of mandibular third molars using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) at 6th post-operative month., Methods: This is a prospective randomized split-mouth study involving 15 patients who underwent surgical extraction of bilaterally impacted mandibular third molars with similar morphology on the same day. The efficacy of drug was analyzed by implanting 10 mg of simvastatin into the socket (study site) and observations were made over 6 months to compare the healing with the control site., Results: The study results demonstrated a statistically significant difference in bone regeneration: mean gray value of 429.133 in study site compared with mean gray value of 310.153 in the control site., Conclusion: These values demonstrate significant change in bone regeneration in simvastatin site as compared to that of control site., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Establishing the level of surgical difficulty pre-operatively is an essential step in ensuring correct treatment planning. This study set out to determine whether the knowledge and experience acquired by dentists who had received different levels of training influenced, firstly, the perceived levels of difficulty of a variety of cases of mandibular third molar (MTM) extraction and, secondly, the perceived difficulty deriving from a series of factors (patient-related factors, anatomical and radiographic factors, operative factors)., Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study took the form of a survey. Using a visual analog scale (VAS), participants evaluated both the perceived difficulty of 30 cases of MTM extraction described by means of digital panoramic radiographs and the perceived difficulty deriving from a series of factors conditioning MTM extraction. The results underwent statistical analysis with SPSS Statistics 28.0 software. Non-parametric tests (Mann Whitney test for independent samples and the Kruskal-Wallis test) were applied., Results: A total of 389 surveys were available for analysis. Dental practioners with no surgical training saw the intervention as presenting greater difficulty. Professionals with postgraduate training in oral surgery considered patient-related factors more important than operative factors, in contrast to dentists who had not received oral surgery training., Conclusions: Dental training has a signficant influence on the perceived difficulty of MTM extraction and also affects opinions about which factors have greater or lesser influence on surgical difficulty., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Background: Among the post-surgical complications of lower wisdom teeth surgery, swelling is considered by patients one of the most impairing, with both social and biological influences and impacting patients' quality of life. Aim of the study was to evaluate the swelling following the osteotomy when performed with drilling burs versus piezo-electric instruments in the mandibular impacted third molar extraction, using a facial reconstruction software., Materials and Methods: A randomized, split-mouth, single-blind study was conducted on patients, ranging between 18 and 40 years of age, requiring lower third molars extraction and referred at the Oral Surgery Unit of the School of Dentistry of the University of Messina. Twenty-two patients were recruited during an 8 months period according to the following criteria: good general health conditions; bilateral, symmetrical, impacted third molars; no use of medication that would influence or alter wound healing; no temporomandibular joint disorder history; no smoking. All patients underwent bilateral surgical removal. For each patient, a facial scan was obtained prior to the surgical procedures. The two extractions were conducted performing, in a randomized way, osteotomy with rotatory burs or use of piezo surgical instruments. Facial scans were repeated at 3 and 7 days after the surgical procedures. Volumetric differences were calculated via superimposition using a dedicated software. The data obtained were processed using paired t-test., Results: The results obtained from our study showed no significant differences between two groups regarding post-operative swelling. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first experience of using an objective method that can be reproducible on the collection of patients' clinical parameters., Conclusions: The 3D digital analysis, in the evaluation of facial swelling, is a technique of simple application, objective, reproducible, reliable, decreasing the variables of error. Based on these data, it is possible to conclude that piezo surgery is a safe way for performing the osteotomies during third molar surgery. However, regarding the post-operative swelling, it does not show an advantage over classical rotary instruments., Trial Registration: Registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT05488028, on 04/08/2022). Approved by Ethical Committee of Messina: (ID 01-2020, on 27/04/2020)., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Purpose: Surgery of impacted lower third molars may be associated with postoperative complications. The aim of this study is to determine whether piezoelectric surgery is effective in reducing pain, swelling, and trismus compared to conventional rotary instruments during extraction of impacted lower third molars., Methods: For this systematic review, the searches were performed independently by 2 researchers. Randomized clinical trials that used the piezoelectric instrument for the removal of impacted lower third molars in humans were included. The predictor variable was the study group (piezo surgery vs rotary instruments). The main outcome was the analysis of postoperative pain, swelling, and trismus. Data analysis included risk of bias assessment (RoB 2 Cochrane) and meta-analysis with heterogeneity based on random effects I 2 and 95% confidence interval., Results: In the initial results, 956 articles were revised and after applying inclusion/exclusion criteria, the final sample was composed of 18 publications, all being randomized clinical trials. The results of this meta-analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in pain scores with a Cohen's d of -0.95 [CI 95% = -1.23 to -0.67] of high clinical impact (P < .001). In the piezo group there was a significant increase in mouth opening of 4.29 [CI 95% = 2.33 to 6.25] mm (P < .001). Regarding swelling, Tragus-Ang and Go-eye, both showed a significant reduction in the piezo group (P < .001). There was a significant increase of 7.32 [CI 95% = 4.40 to 10.24] minutes in the piezo group (P < .00001), and none of the studies showed a significant risk of bias., Conclusions: Piezo proved to be effective in reducing pain, swelling, and trismus in third molar surgeries even with longer surgical time, but due to the lack of standardization in primary studies regarding swelling, new, controlled and standardized studies should be carried out with the objective of proving the effectiveness of this therapeutic modality in the reduction of postoperative swelling., (Copyright © 2022 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the effect modifiers which may influence the periodontal healing of the adjacent second molar after lower third molar surgery., Materials and Methods: Prospective studies including patients with third molars requiring removal, with at least 6 months follow-up were considered. Outcomes were periodontal probing depth (PPD) reduction, final PPD, clinical attachment level (CAL) change, final CAL, alveolar bone defect (ABD) reduction, and final ABD depth. Meta-regression was performed to identify factors., Results: Fourteen studies were included in the quantitative synthesis. At 6 months, the PPD reduction was 1.06 mm (95% CI, 0.72 to 1.39 mm) and the remaining PPD was 3.81 mm (95% CI, 3.00 to 4.62 mm). Baseline PPD was strongly correlated with the remaining PPD at 6 months (p < 0.001, adjusted R 2  = 70.05%)., Conclusions: Lower third molar surgery results in a modest reduction in PPD, CAL, and ABD; however, periodontal defects still remain at 6 months and beyond. Baseline PPD is strongly correlated with final PPD. While age is not shown to have effect on most of the periodontal parameters, a larger baseline PPD is more likely to manifest with increasing age and third molar surgery should be done before severe periodontitis occurs to avoid persistent periodontal defects., Clinical Relevance: This study shows that lower third molar surgery results in modest improvement in periodontal parameters on adjacent second molars and identified factors such as baseline PPD which may affect the healing, which may guide the pre-, peri-, and post-operative management of lower third molar surgery., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: The periodontal status and distal bone level of the adjacent second molar can be negatively affected by the surgical extraction of an impacted lower third molar. Absorbable materials have some benefits, including enhancing primary wound coverage and promoting wound healing through isolation, clotting, wound stabilization and haemostasis. This study set out to compare primary and secondary healing and collagen-membrane-based primary healing after surgical removal of partially erupted impacted third molars (3Ms), evaluating the distal alveolar bone level (ABL) and periodontal status of the adjacent second molars (2Ms)., Methods: Patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into three groups: secondary healing (n = 28), primary healing (n = 27) and membrane-based primary healing (n = 29). Digital panoramic radiographs were obtained preoperatively (T1) and three months postoperatively (T2). The distances between the cemento-enamel junctions and the alveolar bone crests on the distal aspects of the adjacent 2Ms were measured using calibrated radiograph measurement software. The pocket depth and plaque index measurements were performed preoperatively and three months postoperatively. The periodontal plaque index (PPI) scores were registered on the distal aspects of the 2Ms, and the mean values were used., Results: Three of the applied healing types positively affected periodontal pocket depth (PPD) and periodontal index values (p < 0.05). In terms of the ABL of the adjacent 2Ms, primary healing (p < 0.05) and membrane-based primary healing (p < 0.05) had superior results to secondary healing., Conclusion: Membrane use is promising for the distal bone gain and periodontal status of the adjacent 2M., Trial Registration: This clinical study was registered by the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, with the trial number ACTRN12618001551280., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Objective: To construct a novel portable tooth sectioning guide to improve the accuracy of mandibular third molar extraction., Methods: First, 72 samples of an identical 3D-printed double-rooted mandibular third molar were obtained and used in 36 mandibular models. Three different models were constructed (class B vertical, mesial, and horizontal impaction). Then, we made the tooth sectioning guides. mimicking clinical tooth sectioning conditions, two dental surgeons with different levels of experience used both the digital guided technique and the traditional empirical technique during surgery. Accuracy indicators, including apical deviation and angle deviation, were analyzed and compared on postoperative cone-beam computed tomographic scanning and via image reconstruction. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed. A p-value of 0.05 indicated statistically significant differences among the groups., Results: Overall, the mean apical deviation of experienced/inexperienced operators using the conventional section technique was 1.120 mm (0.7 mm, 2.3 mm) and 1.54± 0.84 mm, respectively. Correspondingly, the mean apical deviation under the guided section technique was 0.28 mm (0.2 mm, 0.4 mm) and 0.32±0.16 mm, respectively. The mean angle deviations of experienced/inexperienced operators under the conventional section technique were 8.015° (3.5°, 10.5°) and 6.570° (5.5°, 14.9°). Correspondingly, the mean apical deviation using the guided section technique was 1.880° (0.4°, 2.9°) and 1.470° (0.7°, 3.1°), respectively. The conventional and guided techniques were significantly different (P < 0.001)., Conclusions: In the digital guide technique, sectioning is more predictable and accurate, and the success of the operation is achievable with different proficiencies among dental surgeons., Clinical Significance: This technique will not only reduce the difficulty of tooth extraction but also reduce the risk of damage to the surrounding soft and hard tissues, especially damage to the inferior alveolar nerve., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Aim: To compare the operating time, postoperative pain, edema, trismus, and patient acceptance following surgical removal of impacted third molar using piezosurgery and conventional rotary technique., Materials and Methods: About 42 patients with impacted mesioangular mandibular third molars were included in this study. Subjects are divided into two groups: group I (treated with conventional rotary technique) and group II (treated with piezosurgery). Duration of surgery, pain, trismus, and swelling were assessed. The patients were evaluated on the 1st, 3rd, and 7th postoperative days., Results: Postoperative pain, trismus, and edema were reduced with piezosurgery compared with conventional technique. Even though the duration of time was longer with piezosurgery, patient comfort was found to be better., Conclusion: Piezosurgery is a meticulous and innovative ultrasonic technique with selective bone cutting and better postoperative outcomes. However, it is expensive, and the operating time is prolonged., Clinical Significance: Piezosurgery is an alternative in the surgical removal of third molars as it ensures precise and selective cutting, with no injury to the surrounding soft tissues. Postoperative outcome and patient acceptance are improved with piezosurgery.

Lower third molar removal is a common surgical procedure that, like all surgery, carries with it inherent risks. One primary risk of significance is inferior dental nerve injury, which can have a significant impact on patients' lives. Conventional consenting usually involves the generic discussion of risks of inferior dental nerve injury but without any substantive personalised risk assessment. Following the Montgomery judgement, these warnings have to be considered both inadequate and potentially misleading, as they are based on population research that is inherently flawed; pre-surgical risk assessments should be focused on the individual. This paper will consider the inadequacy of current consenting protocols and will suggest how we might offer clearer guidance to our patients when seeking valid consent for third molar surgery., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to the British Dental Association.)

Introduction: Despite a high prevalence of agenesis, third molars should frequently be considered in our orthodontic treatment plans., Material and Method: The aim of this study was to describe, according to the literature, the therapeutic possibilities of third molar management., Results: The avulsion isn't systematic. The French National Authority for Health has updated its guidance about it. Indeed, surgical procedures can present with potentially irreversible risks (nerve damage, bone necrosis). It is necessary to assess the benefit/risk balance and to inform the patient accordingly. Whether symptomatic or not, pathological third molars are among the most obvious indication for avulsion as well as third molars that may lead to resorption or carious lesion of the adjacent molar. On the other hand, it is not recommended to avulse third molars to prevent the appearance of anterior crowding or in case of a favorable evolution. Some of our orthodontic therapies can lead to the avulsion of the third molars: the orthognathic surgery (especially mandibular surgery) or the distalization. They can be placed by transplantation, by mesialization, sometimes with the help of bone anchors, or by straightening the axis for a prosthetic or implant-prosthetic restoration., Discussion: In the adolescent, the germs of the third molars would not limit the amount of distalization; these molars would continue to grow despite the distalization of the more anterior molars., Conclusion: Wisdom teeth should be considered as third molars in their own right and can thus be used in edentulous situations.

Objective: This systematic review aims to examine whether cone-beam CT (CBCT) assessment influences the incidence of nerve injury following high-risk mandibular third molar (MTM) surgery., Study Design: Randomised controlled trials comparing two and three-dimensional imaging for assessing high-risk MTMs were included. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and the Dentistry and Oral Science Source (DOSS) were systematically searched along with extensive grey literature searches, hand searching of web sites, and detailed citation searching up to 3 September 2022. Risk of bias was assessed against the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool (RoB 2.0). Certainty of the evidence was assessed using GRADE., Results: Two authors independently screened 402 abstracts prior to full text screening of 27 articles, which culminated in seven RCTs for inclusion. Two studies were assessed as high risk of bias overall. The other five raised some concerns largely due to unblinded patients and lack of prior trial registration. Just one study reported significantly less nerve injuries following CBCT. The remaining six articles found no significant difference., Conclusion: The seven RCTs included in this systematic review offered moderate quality evidence that CBCT does not routinely translate to reduced incidence of nerve injury in MTM removal. A single study provided low quality evidence for a consequent change in the surgical approach. Low quality evidence from 3 studies suggested CBCT does not influence the duration of third molar surgery., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Background: The latest trend in surgery is to look for minimally invasive procedures, with fewer complications and a shorter recovery time. This study aims to compare the minimally- invasive envelope flap, with smaller incision and fewer dissection and the conventional envelope flap, with a 20mm incision, on impacted mandibular third molar surgery, focusing on the hypothesis that there were no differences in postoperative outcomes., Material and Methods: A double-blind randomized clinical trial was designed to compare both incisions, focused on determining the approach with minor postoperative side-effects and minor impact on quality-of-life. A total of 60 patients were enrolled for the study if their presented impacted mandibular third molar and was 18-years-old or more. Both groups were evaluated from time elapsed on the surgery, maximum mouth opening, swelling and quality of life assessment., Results: The flap choice influenced facial swelling (p=0,03), pain on the first three days (p=0,037), interference with oral hygiene (p=0,019) and discomfort on speech (p=0,07). Chewing, swallowing, trismus, pain after seven days, postoperative complications and other quality-of-life arrangements were no different between groups., Conclusions: The minimally- invasive envelope flap could lead to a less painful experience for the patient, with fewer impact on the oral hygiene and speech discomfort.

Background: Impaction of mandibular third molars (M3) is one of the most common diseases. Extraction of M3 usually exacerbates osseous defects at the distal aspect of the adjacent second molar (M2). BonMaker ® ATB has been cited as a novel autogenous bone grafting material. The aim of this pilot study was to introduce a novel method for repairing the distal osseous defects of M2 after the surgical removal of M3 with autogenous tooth graft powder (ATGP)., Method: A total of five patients were enrolled in this prospective split-mouth clinical pilot study. Four impacted wisdom teeth were extracted bilaterally from each patient with proximal alveolar bone loss ≥ 5 mm of M3. The ATGP was prepared chairside from two extracted one side third molars and randomly implanted in one of the M3 extraction sockets, and the other side was treated with a blank and considered the control site. Patients were followed up at 6 months., Results: The five patients included three males and two females. Their ages ranged from 25 to 30 years, with a median of 27 years. Primary wound healing without complications was achieved in all the patients. There was a greater tendency for swelling of the cheeks and trismus to occur at the experimental site on the third postoperative day. Compared with the control site, the experimental site exhibited progressive bone filling and ossification in the sixth postoperative month. Moreover, the probing pocket depth of the experimental site was lower than that of the control site., Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that ATGP effectively and economically repairs distal osseous defects of M2. Further study is required to validate the effectiveness with a larger study population., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of kinesiology tape application after mandibular third molar extraction., Method and Materials: Patients with mandibular third molar extraction indications were divided into three groups. The patients in group 1 had kinesiology tape applied after tooth extraction, the patients in group 2 were given an ice pack and intermittent cryotherapy within 24 h of the operation, and the patients in group 3 were not given any additional intervention. All patients were followed up, and the postoperative swelling, pain, mouth opening limitation, and quality of life were recorded and evaluated. Comments on the intervention methods from patients were also collected., Results: Compared to group 3, groups 1 and 2 showed a significant reduction in postoperative swelling, pain, and limitation of mouth opening, and improvement of quality of life. There was no significant difference between groups 1 and 2 in each index, but the patients in group 1 reported fewer problems than those in group 2., Conclusions: The application of kinesiology tape was helpful in reducing the postoperative inflammatory symptoms of mandibular third molar extraction and improved the patients' postoperative quality of life. These results suggest that kinesiology tape can be used as an auxiliary treatment to cryotherapy or as an alternative intervention after mandibular third molar extraction.

Purpose: The displacement of the tooth/tooth fragment into the floor of mouth sometimes happens during the lower third molar surgery and the patients are usually referred to oral and maxillofacial surgeons. To date, however, there is no consensus how to manage the displaced tooth due to the lack of available data., Methods: In this study, we have retrospectively analyzed the management of the displaced lower third molar into the floor of mouth. Our institute experienced seven cases during 2010 to 2020., Results: Incidence rate of the lingual nerve injury caused by displacement of the lower third molar was 1/7. Six patients out of seven underwent surgical removal of the displaced fragment. The direct approach was used when the fragment was palpable superficially and the fragment was horizontally located away from the lingual plate (2 cases), while when the fragment was not palpable, or was palpable and adjacent to the lingual plate, the lingual mucoperiosteal flap was selected (4 cases)., Conclusion: We conclude that the palpation and preoperative diagnosis with computed tomographic images are significantly important to decide a better and most effective surgical approach., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to selectively ablate the entire volume of targeted third molar (3M) tooth buds in a pig model. This study demonstrates the potential for a less-invasive alternative to contemporary surgical techniques for removal of 3Ms., Methods: The investigator developed a mandibular split-mouth animal model study design. The model used pigs because the animals' 3M tooth buds are dimensionally similar to those of humans. The study sample consisted of 5 female Yorkshire-cross pigs at 20 weeks of age. The investigator delivered microwave energy thermal doses to thermocoagulate tooth bud tissues inside the bony crypts of targeted 3M tooth buds. Based on the bony crypt dimensions obtained from computed tomography scans of each subject, the microwave thermal dose was predetermined. The mandibles were dissected to visually compare thermocoagulated right-side 3M tooth bud tissues to left-side untreated controls., Results: All 5 study animals were successfully treated. All 5 fully guided third molar tooth bud ablation (3TBA) procedures resulted in thermocoagulation of the entire volume of targeted 3M tooth bud tissues, with no visual evidence of damage to structures beyond the bony crypt., Conclusions: The animal model developed for this study enabled the demonstration of a fully guided 3TBA protocol. The animal model and 3TBA procedure employed in this study appear to be appropriate for use in future long-term animal studies designed to demonstrate the efficacy of 3TBA for inducing molar agenesis., (Copyright © 2022 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Although wisdom-tooth extraction is a routine intervention, the postoperative period remains marked by local inflammation classically manifesting as pain, edema and trismus. Furthermore, there is no consensus on the best operative techniques, particularly for the mucosal closure stage on impacted mandibular wisdom teeth., Methods: This parallel, randomized, non-blinded study compared pain following removal of impacted third molars, with and without sutures. Patients were electronically allocated 1:1 to extraction with versus without sutures. Patients ≥ 14 years' old scheduled for extraction of four impacted wisdom teeth under general anesthesia at three French hospitals were eligible for inclusion. Exclusion criteria included taking antiplatelet agents or anticoagulants, coagulation disorders or immunosuppression, and planned orofacial surgical procedures or emergency pain/infection. The primary objective was pain evaluated by Visual Analogue Scale on Day 3. Secondary outcomes were edema, trismus, healing, complications, painkiller consumption and quality of life on Day 3 and 31., Results: Between June 2016 and November 2018, 100 patients were randomized. Finally, 44 patients in the Suture group and 50 patients in the Without Suture group were analyzed. Mean age was 16.5 years and 66.6% of patients were female. After adjustment on center, age and smoking, no statistical difference was seen between groups for pain on Day 3 (p = 0.904). No differences were seen for swelling, trismus, consumption of painkillers, healing, complications or quality of life. Smokers had a 3.65 times higher complications rate (p = 0.0244)., Conclusions: Sutureless removal of third molars is thus a reliable technique without negative consequence on outcomes, and allows shorter operating time. Smoking is a risk factor for postoperative complications. Trial registration www., Clinicaltrials: gov (NCT02583997), registered 22/10/2015., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Background: The high-speed hand-piece bur is one of the methods to perform tooth sectioning during the minimally traumatic extraction of impacted mandibular third molars. During tooth sectioning, the breakage of the bur might take place when it is improperly used. Three cases of the breakage and displacement of a high-speed hand-piece bur during extraction are reported, aiming to remind dental surgeons of this complication., Case Presentation: The bur fragment in case 1 was embedded in the mandibular bone under the previously removed crown of tooth 48 and distal to tooth 47. The bur fragment in case 2 was embedded in the lingual edge of the socket and partly beneath the mucosa on the lingual side. The position of the bur fragment in case 3 was similar to that of case 1 but was completely embedded in the spongious bone. The three cases were performed by first-year residents, and all of the bur fragments were successfully removed by attending doctors after accurately locating them by radiological examination., Conclusions: In order to avoid breakage of the high-speed hand-piece bur, the number of uses of the bur should be monitored and the integrity and state of the bur should be carefully checked. Moreover, light pressure with little lateral force should be used during tooth sectioning. If bur breakage and displacement occur, the retrieval protocol should be determined based on the imaging findings and conducted as soon as possible to avoid serious consequences., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Objectives: The present study aimed to assess differences in patients' postoperative morbidity after third molar removal in relation to the surgeon's level of experience and other intraoperative factors., Material and Methods: Patients admitted for prophylactic removal of asymptomatic third molars were prospectively followed up on day 3 and 10 after surgery in the context of the M3BE-study. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the associations between surgeon's (in)experience and postoperative discomfort. Other contributing factors were gender, age, extraction method (osteotomy or not), and number of extractions and involved jaws., Results: In total, 7 senior surgeons and 28 surgical residents operated 2560 patients (8672 third molars). Differences in postoperative morbidity on day 3 and 10 after surgery were small. The results showed no significant associations between surgeon's inexperience and postoperative discomfort (pain, trismus, swelling), except for persistent pain (day 10; OR 1.468; p = 0.0016). No effect was observed on the occurrence of postoperative nerve complications. It was shown that postoperative morbidity was more dependent on factors like age, gender, number of extractions and intraoperative osteotomy., Conclusion: We may conclude that patient recovery following third molar removal is affected by other factors than surgical experience. However, surgical residents seemed to cause significantly more persisting pain problems 10 days after surgery., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest with respect to the authorship and/or publication of this article., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical features that might be related to success rates of autotransplantation of molars with complete root formation., Materials and Methods: A group of 60 patients with completely formed third molars autotransplanted to a different molar socket was followed for a medium period of 5 years and 5 months. Extreme care was used in order to preserve the vitality of the periodontal ligament cells. The same technique was applied for all teeth despite different anatomies. Descriptive statistics was performed. The association of the various factors with failures was assessed by using the Fisher's exact test and a p -value of 0.05 was considered as significance threshold., Results: Autotransplantation was found to be a reliable method to replace extracted molar teeth with closed apices. The two major factors that positively influenced the outcomes were fixation with splint and a periodontal probing pocket depth less than 4 mm after the initial healing period. The technique resulted in a suitable well-conserved socket and donor tooth, after the extraction., Conclusion: An accurate case evaluation was critically important in order to identify the risks prior to surgery and to select the right patients for this procedure. Autotransplantation of third molar teeth is a feasible approach to replace compromised mature molars. Proper stabilization of the transplanted tooth is strategical for the success of this procedure. A conservative approach to unerupted wisdom teeth is also recommended., Clinical Significance: Dental implants and fixed prostheses have been utilized to replace missing teeth, and orthodontic space closure can be sometimes an effective treatment option. Tooth autotransplantation can be a reliable and less invasive clinical alternative when an appropriate donor site is available.

The removal of lower third molar teeth is one of the most common surgical procedures performed worldwide, but many concepts in this surgery have been unclear and have engendered different opinions. This paper aims to review current thinking in certain pertinent aspects of this surgery to update the reader on the most current research and synthesise it to make clinical recommendations. Topics covered include preoperative imaging, timing of removal, flap design, lingual retraction, coronectomy, lingual split, closure techniques, and use of antibiotics, steroids, and drains., (Copyright © 2021 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Pell and Gregory, and Winter's classifications are frequently implemented to classify the mandibular third molars and are crucial for safe tooth extraction. This study aimed to evaluate the classification accuracy of convolutional neural network (CNN) deep learning models using cropped panoramic radiographs based on these classifications. We compared the diagnostic accuracy of single-task and multi-task learning after labeling 1330 images of mandibular third molars from digital radiographs taken at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at a general hospital (2014-2021). The mandibular third molar classifications were analyzed using a VGG 16 model of a CNN. We statistically evaluated performance metrics [accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, and area under the curve (AUC)] for each prediction. We found that single-task learning was superior to multi-task learning (all p < 0.05) for all metrics, with large effect sizes and low p-values. Recall and F1 scores for position classification showed medium effect sizes in single and multi-task learning. To our knowledge, this is the first deep learning study to examine single-task and multi-task learning for the classification of mandibular third molars. Our results demonstrated the efficacy of implementing Pell and Gregory, and Winter's classifications for specific respective tasks., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

The aim of this study is to evaluate the preemptive analgesic effects of dexamethasone (DEX) alone or combined with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in third molar surgeries. The subjects were divided into five groups (n = 20 teeth/group); subjects received only 8 mg of dexamethasone 1 h before the surgical procedure (DEX group), or in combination with etodolac (DEX + ETO), ketorolac (DEX + KET), ibuprofen (DEX + IBU), loxoprofen (DEX + LOX). Paracetamol 750 mg was provided as the number of rescue analgesics (NRA). Salivary PGE2 expression was measured preoperatively and at 48 h. Edema and Maximum mouth opening (MMO) were measured postoperatively at 48 h and 7 days. A visual analog scale (VAS) was performed postoperatively at 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 h, and 7 days. Salivary expression of PGE2 showed a decrease only for the DEX group. Edema and MMO and NRA consumption showed no significant differences among the groups (P > 0.05). The VAS showed a significantly lower pain perception at 6 h after the surgery for the DEX + ETO and DEX + KET groups (P < 0.05). The combination of DEX and NSAIDS should be considered for preemptive acute postsurgical pain management in third molar surgery. In some drug associations such as dexamethasone 8 mg + NSAIDS (ETO and KET) in the pre-operative time, only a few rescue analgesics are necessary., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

The surgery of the impacted mandibular third molar is the most frequent procedure in dentistry. The prescription of systemic antibiotics after the third molar extraction is widespread among dentists, but this is still argumentative. This study is aimed at evaluating the postoperative effects of local antibiotic mixed with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and a postoperative systemic antibiotic prescribed for mandibular third molar surgery. The study included 75 patients divided into a control and 4 test groups ( n = 15). In the control group, only PRF was placed into the extracted socket, and no antibiotic was prescribed. In the first and third groups, PRF was applied to the socket; penicillin and clindamycin were prescribed as oral medications, respectively. In the second and fourth groups, only PRF combined with penicillin and clindamycin was applied into the socket, respectively. The outcome variables were pain, swelling, analgesic intake, and trismus. These variables were also assessed based on the first, second, third, and seventh days following the operation. Unpaired Student's t -test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for analysis. There were significant differences in the total VAS pain scores between the control and group 3 ( p < 0.05), groups 1 and 2 ( p < 0.01), and group 4 ( p < 0.001) in ascending order. For analgesic intake, there was no significant difference for group 1 ( p > 0.05). However, there were statistical differences between the control group and groups 2 and 3 ( p < 0.01) and group 4 ( p < 0.001). Trismus and swelling did not differ among the groups ( p > 0.05). This study showed that the effects of local and systemic antibiotics with the use of PRF reduced postoperative outcomes. Moreover, local antibiotics with PRF may be a viable method to avoid the possible side effects of systemic antibiotics., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Ceren Melahat Donmezer and Kani Bilginaylar.)