Second Molar Periodontal Health After Third Molar Surgery

Second Molar Periodontal Health After Third Molar Surgery 1. Faria AI, Gallas-Torreira M, Lopez-Raton M: Mandibular second molar periodontal healing after impacted third molar extraction in young adults. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 70:2732, 2012. http://www.joms.org/article/S02782391(12)01085-3/abstract This very well-designed prospective clinical study reported spontaneous improvement in periodontal parameters, including pocket depth, after extraction of lower third molars—no grafting, no membranes, and no special flap designs or suturing techniques. Patients were followed for 12 months after surgery; solid data are presented to guide clinical decision making. 2. Coleman M, McCormick A, Laskin DM: The incidence of periodontal defects distal to the maxillary second molar after impacted third molar extraction. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 69:319, 2011. http://www.joms.org/ article/S0278-2391(10)01407-2/abstract This prospective clinical study evaluated changes in probing depths on second molars after extraction of the maxillary third molar. Mean follow-up was 6 months. Fewer than 3% of probing sites increased; most were unchanged (37%) or improved (61%). 3. Dicus C, Blakey GH, Faulk-Eggleston J, et al: Second molar periodontal inflammatory disease after third molar removal in young adults. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 68:3000, 2010. http://www.joms.org/article/S0278-2391(10) 00599-9/abstract Data from 2 prospective clinical studies indicate that periodontal inflammatory disease on the distal of second molar teeth is considerably less likely to be detected after extraction of the third molar. Presurgical probing depths were greater than or equal to 4 mm but were statistically associated with postoperative periodontal inflammatory disease. 4. Fisher EL, Blakey GH, Offenbacher S, et al: Mechanical debridement of subgingival biofilm in participants with asymptomatic third molars does not reduce deeper probing depths in the molar regions of the mouth. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 71:467, 2013. http://www.joms.org/article/S0278-2391(12)01571-6/abstract This prospective clinical study investigated changes in periodontal probing depths at third, second, and first molar sites in patients with 4 asymptomatic third molar teeth who had annual dental prophylaxis. At 2-year follow-up, probing depths had not improved despite professional hygiene care.

JOHN H. CAMPBELL, DDS, MS, FACS SECTION EDITOR, DENTOALVEOLAR SURGERY

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