Third Molar Pericoronitis

Abstract

1.Dicus-Brookes C, Partrick M, Blakey GH III, et al: Removal of symptomatic third molars may improve periodontal status of remaining dentition. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 71:1639, 2013. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2013.06.190The authors report improvement in pocket depths not only at the distal of the second molar but also at sites more anterior in the mouth after removal of all 4 third molars in patients with minor pericoronitis affecting at least 1 mandibular third molar. The minimum follow-up interval was 3 months. This study suggests that third molar removal can positively impact the periodontal status of teeth other than adjacent second molars.2.Mansfield JM, Campbell JH, Bhandari AR, et al: Molecular analysis of 16S rRNA genes identifies potentially periodontal pathogenic bacteria and archaea in the plaque of partially erupted third molars. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 70:1507, 2012. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2011.09.049This paper provides the most extensive delineation of the bacteria associated with pericoronitis yet published. The molecular techniques used were able to identify bacteria that are not cultivable and identified organisms not previously known to be implicated in pericoronitis. Bacterial and archaeal species associated with periodontal disease were more prevalent at partially erupted third molar sites compared to healthy incisor sites, implicating the lower third molar area as a source for periodontal pathogens in otherwise healthy mouths.3.Bradshaw S, Faulk J, Blakey GH, et al: Quality of life outcomes after third molar removal in subjects with minor symptoms of pericoronitis. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 70:2494, 2012. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2012.05.013Quality-of-life measurements, including pain, ability to eat desired foods, and chewing, improved after surgery for removal of all 4 third molars in patients with minor symptoms of pericoronitis. The authors suggest that patients with such symptoms consider third molar removal, as it is presently the only effective long-term treatment for the condition.