Types, frequencies, and risk factors for complications after third molar extraction.
OBJECTIVE
The study objective was to identify the types, frequency, and risk factors for complications after third molar (M3) extractions.


METHODS
This retrospective cohort study consisted of patients who had 1 or more M3s removed between 1996 and 2001. Risk factors were grouped into demographic, general health, anatomic, and operative. Outcome variables were operative or inflammatory complications. Data were analyzed using descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate statistics.


RESULTS
The study sample was composed of 583 patients (57.0% male) with a mean age of 26.4 +/- 8.4 years. The overall complication rate was 4.6%. Increasing age, a positive medical history, and the position of the M3 relative to the inferior alveolar nerve were associated with an increased risk for complications.


CONCLUSIONS
While age, medical history, and M3 anatomy cannot be altered directly, these factors may be modified indirectly, resulting in a potential decrease for postoperative complications.
Bui
Chi H
CH
Department of Orthodontics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA.
Seldin
Edward B
EB
Dodson
Thomas B
TB
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000145:classification* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible; D008404:Massachusetts / Q000453:epidemiology; D008437:Maxilla; D008875:Middle Aged; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000601:surgery*; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000145:classification* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016896:Treatment Outcome