Early removal of asymptomatic mandibular third molar-is it safe?

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of complications between surgical removal of third molar and germectomy, objectively and subjectively.Material and Methods: A prospective non randomized study for all patients who were undergoing minor oral surgery of mandibular third molar was carried out in Oral & Maxillofacial Department (OMF) Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital, Malaysia (HSAH). The indication for surgery was for orthodontic reason. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to their radiographic root morphology, namely group I (root not formed), group II (root partially formed), group III (roots fully formed)Results: A total of 44 patients were enrolled into this study, 2 teeth from each patient, henceforth involving 88 teeth. There was statistically difference in age among the 3 groups (p<0.05). Germectomy was the shortest procedure. In the objective evaluation post-operative 1 week, no sign of trismus and facial swelling was observed in these 3 groups. In the subjective evaluation, there were significant differences in ability to tolerate orally (p<0.05) and ability to perform daily activities (p<0.05) among the 3 groups.Conclusion: This study shows low incidence of complications in all 3 groups. Germectomy is a simple and safe procedure, thus, this prompted the author advocate the early removal of mandibular third molar.