The wisdom behind the third molars removal: A prospective study of 106 cases

• Published in: Annals of medicine and surgery Vol. 68; p. 102639
• Main Authors: Ouassime, Kerdoud, Rachid, Aloua, Amine, Kaouani, Ousmane, Belem, Faiçal, Slimani
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2021; Elsevier
• Subjects: Cohort Study; Decision making; Dental caries; Evidence-based dentistry; Oral and maxillofacial surgery; Third molars; Tooth extraction; Oral and maxillofacial surgery; Dental caries; Tooth extraction; Decision making; Evidence-based dentistry; Third molars
• ISSN: 2049-0801; 2049-0801
• DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2021.102639

This paper aims to evaluate the decision-making of wisdom teeth extractions (M3s extraction) and the epidemiological profile in the targeted population. This was a prospective analysis study of 106 patients at our hospital august 20, 1953 specialist hospital, which is a referral center between January 1, 2020 and January 1, 2021. The patients are divided into 2 groups according decision-making of wisdom teeth removal based on scientific evidence if it's right or wrong. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding sex (P = 0.478), educational level (P = 0.718), or working status (P = 0.606). Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding general co-morbidity (P = 1.00) or oral history (P = 0.28). The mean age of the sample was 32.12 years (SD = 11.337 years, range = 17–70 years, median = 30 -years). We reported that only 28% of the third molars were surgically extracted. We included in Group (I), 81 patients who were treated for third molars removal which the decision-making was justified. In Group (II), 25 patients were treated for third molars removal which the decision-making was unjustified. Group (I) comprised 30 men and 51 women with a mean age of 30 years. Group (II) comprised 7 men and 18 women with a mean age of 27 years. The assessment of surgical outcomes (operating time, blood loss, hospital stay) showed no difference between groups. Monitoring asymptomatic wisdom teeth appears to be an appropriate strategy. Regarding retention versus prophylactic extraction of asymptomatic wisdom teeth, decision-making should be based on the best evidence combined with clinical experience.76.4% had a reason for extraction that was justified. The reasons why extraction of the wisdom tooth was not justified in our study population was either: extraction for prophylaxis or in the case of asymptomatic non-pathological third molars; without scientific evidence. This subject, which is perpetually debated, requires updating dental health authorities by evaluating new conservative procedures. •Third molars are a major focus of interest in dentistry.•Preliminary indication and wrong decision-making for teeth extraction have resulted in many healthy teeth being sacrificed.•Debate continues about the best strategies for the management of wisdom teeth.