title: Effect of mechanical debridement on distal periodontal aspects of second molars after the extraction of third molars: a systematic review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The risk of periodontal defects after the extraction of third molars continues to challenge clinicians.
  
  
  METHODS
  Intervention trials, including subgingival scaling and/or root planing, were systematically reviewed. Data sources included the Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register and MEDLINE. The primary outcome was postoperative change in pocket probing depth (PD).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The electronic search yielded 751 abstracts, and manual searching added one study. From them, four trials fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were selected for review. The overall sample size of the studies was small, ranging from 15 to 30 participants. Only one trial was considered to present with low risk for bias in the sequence generation, the concealment of allocation to treatment, and the strategy for masking. The lack of information provided by the authors of the remaining studies resulted in unclear or high risk of bias for the chief dimensions of trial quality. The heterogeneity of the studies did not allow the use of meta-analysis to summarize the results of several studies. Preliminary evidence originating from a small study suggests that ultrasonic root debridement of the second molar and a three-visit plaque control program may have a beneficial effect on PD levels on the second molar.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The available intervention trials on this topic have important limitations, and, consequently, there is insufficient evidence to recommend the use of mechanical debridement of second molars after the extraction of third molars.
authors.affiliation: University of the Andes, San Carlos de Apoquindo, Santiago, Chile.
authors.forename: Valeria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Ramírez
authors.forename: Patricio
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Marró
authors.forename: Rodrigo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: López
mesh_terms: D015982:Bias; D018849:Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000592:standards; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012534:Dental Scaling; D006801:Humans; D008963:Molar / Q000473:pathology*; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000601:surgery*; D057747:Periodontal Debridement; D010512:Periodontal Index; D010514:Periodontal Pocket / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D014081:Tooth Extraction; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy