A comparative study on the extractions of partially impacted mandibular third molars with or without a buccal flap: a prospective study.
OBJECTIVE
The present report describes a flapless extraction method for partially impacted mandibular third molars and compares the effects of flap and flapless extractions of the teeth in terms of postoperative pain, swelling, and pocket depth of the second molar.


METHODS
A prospective study was performed of 27 patients who underwent bilateral extraction of partially impacted mandibular third molars. Two molars in the same patient were extracted on each side, either with or without a buccal flap.


RESULTS
The postoperative pain, swelling, and pocket depth of the second molar were all significantly greater on the side that underwent flap extraction than on the side that underwent flapless extraction (P < .05).


CONCLUSIONS
Our results support the clinical use of flapless extractions when the distal surface of the crown is completely anterior to the anterior border of the mandibular ramus and the occlusal surface of the impacted tooth is level or nearly level with the occlusal plane of the second molar.
Kim
Ha-Rang
HR
Department of Dentistry, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, South Korea.
Choi
Byung-Ho
BH
Engelke
Wilfried
W
Serrano
Daniela
D
Xuan
Feng
F
Mo
Dong-Yub
DY
D000328:Adult; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005881:Gingiva / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008963:Molar / Q000473:pathology; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000601:surgery*; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000209:etiology; D010514:Periodontal Pocket / Q000209:etiology; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013997:Time Factors; D019228:Tooth Crown / Q000473:pathology; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000379:methods*; D014095:Tooth, Impacted / Q000601:surgery*; D055815:Young Adult