title: Sharp mandibular bone irregularities after lower third molar extraction: incidence, clinical features and risk factors.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and clinical symptoms associated with sharp mandibular bone irregularities (SMBI) after lower third molar extraction and to identify possible risk factors for this complication.
  
  
  METHODS
  A mixed study design was used. A retrospective cohort study of 1432 lower third molar extractions was done to determine the incidence of SMBI and a retrospective case-control study was done to determine potential demographic and etiologic factors by comparing those patients with postoperative SMBI with controls.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twelve SMBI were found (0.84%). Age was the most important risk factor for this complication. The operated side and the presence of an associated radiolucent image were also significantly related to the development of mandibular bone irregularities. The depth of impaction of the tooth might also be an important factor since erupted or nearly erupted third molars were more frequent in the SMBI group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  SMBI are a rare postoperative complication after lower third molar removal. Older patients having left side lower third molars removed are more likely to develop this problem. The treatment should be the removal of the irregularity when the patient is symptomatic.
authors.affiliation: Master degree in Oral Surgery and Implantology, School of Dentistry of University of Barcelona, Spain.
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Alves-Pereira
authors.forename: Rui
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Figueiredo
authors.forename: Eduard
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Valmaseda-Castellón
authors.forename: Daniel-M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Laskin
authors.forename: Leonardo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Berini-Aytés
authors.forename: Cosme
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gay-Escoda
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000002:abnormalities*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects*; D055815:Young Adult