title: The "piercing technique". A new procedure in impacted lower third molar surgery. Analysis of 802 consecutive extractions.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Our objective is to rationalize the odontotomic phase during the extraction of lower third molars. This study also evaluated the side effects and complications after the piercing technique utilized for surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 802 consecutive extractions of impacted lower third molars class B and C of Pell and Gregory were performed by the same surgeon in 506 patients with the ''Piercing Technique''. The incidence of complications and side effects was evaluated at 10, 21, 30, 60, 90 and 180 days.
  
  
  RESULTS
  None of the patients had sensory impairment of the lingual nerve, mandibular fractures, displacement of the tooth in soft tissues or intra and post-operative haemorrhage.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The data suggest that the ''Piercing Technique'' is very safe, minimally invasive and easy to apply in impacted lower third molar surgery. This surgical procedure represents the first operative stage of odontotomy and permits us to have a point of dental reference, that makes odontectomy as similar as possible to the ideal that we have thought. With this technique it is possible to inject anaesthetic into the dental pulp in cases of hypersensibility. It is also possible to have a point for insertion of angular elevators by making piercings in the tooth.
authors.affiliation: U.O. di Odontoiatria e Stomatologia, Ospedale S. Giovanni Calibita Fatebenefratelli Isola Tiberina, Roma, Italy. marco.didio@tiscali.it
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Di Dio
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pierazzi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008964:Molar, Third; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D014095:Tooth, Impacted / Q000601:surgery*