Two-stage extraction by partial grinding of impacted mandibular third molar in close proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve

BACKGROUND Extraction of impacted third molars often leads to severe complications caused by damage to the inferior alveolar nerve(IAN).AIM To proposes a method for the partial grinding of an impacted mandibular third molar(IMM3)near the IAN to prevent IAN injury during IMM3 extraction.METHODS Between January 1996 and March 2022,25 patients with IMM3 roots near the IAN were enrolled.The first stage of the operation consisted of grinding a major part of the IMM3 crown with a high-speed turbine dental drill to achieve sufficient space between the mandibular second molar and IMM3.After 6 months,when the root tips were observed to be away from the IAN on X-ray examination,the remaining part of the IMM3 was completely removed.RESULTS All IMM3s were extracted easily without symptoms of IAN injury after extraction.CONCLUSION Partial IMM3 grinding may be a good alternative treatment option to avoid IAN injury in high-risk cases.

Clinical Effect of Resistance-free Removal of the Bone Embedded Mandibular Third Molar

[Objectives] To shorten the time of removal of the bone embedded mandibular third molar,reduce the complications of tooth extraction,and explore a surgery method of resistance-free removal of the mandibular third molar. [Methods] A total of 50 patients with bone embedded mandibular third molar needing to be removed were selected. A 45° elevation turbine and a long tungsten steel drill were used to remove the mesial,buccal,and distal resistances. When necessary,tongue side and root resistance was removed,and the third molar was removed when there was basically no resistance around it. The removal time was recorded,followed up for 10 d,and the postoperative reaction was observed. [Results] The bone embedded mandibular third molars were removed for all patients within 15 min,and there was no serious postoperative reaction,all patients showed high satisfaction. [Conclusions]The method of resistance-free removal of the bone embedded mandibular third molar can significantly shorten the removal time,reduce the fear of patients,and ease pain of patients.

Transfer learning-based super-resolution in panoramic models for predicting mandibular third molar extraction difficulty: a multi-center study

Background:This study aims to predict the extraction difficulty of mandibular third molars based on panoramic images using transfer learning while employing super-resolution(SR)technology to enhance the feasibility and validity of the prediction.Methods:We reviewed a total of 608 preoperative mandibular third molar panoramic radiographs from two medical facilities:the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University(n=509;456 in the training set and 53 in the test set)and the Henan Provincial Dental Hospital(n=99 in the validation set).We conducted a deep-transfer learning network on high-resolution(HR)panoramic radiographs to improve the longitudinal resolution of the images and obtained the SR images.Subsequently,we constructed models named Model-HR and Model-SR using high-dimensional quantitative features extracted through the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator method.The models’performances were evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC).To assess the reliability of the model,we compared the results from the test set with those of three dentists.Results:Model-SR outperformed Model-HR(area under the curve(AUC):0.779,sensitivity:85.5%,specificity:60.9%,and accuracy:79.8%vs.AUC:0.753,sensitivity:73.7%,specificity:73.9%,and accuracy:73.7%)in predicting the difficulty of extracting mandibular third molars.Both Model-HR(AUC=0.821,95%CI 0.687–0.956)and Model-SR(AUC=0.963,95%CI 0.921–0.999)demonstrated superior performance compared to expert dentists(highest AUC=0.799,95%CI 0.671–0.927).Conclusions:Model-SR yielded superior predictive performance in determining the difficulty of extracting mandibular third molars when compared with Model-HR and expert dentists’visual assessments.

Fusion of a Mandibular Third Molar and a Distomolar in a Trinidadian Child: Report of a Rare Case Diagnosed Using CBCT

Double teeth refer to two teeth that are totally or partially joined by dentin and maybe their pulps. These developmental anomalies may be the result of either gemination or fusion. This is a case of a 15-year-old Indo-Trinidadian male who presented with the fusion of a mandibular third molar with a distomolar as an incidental finding. The patient had his general dental care provided by a paediatric dentist and was referred to an oral and maxillofacial radiologist, orthodontist, and oral surgeon for consultation. A Cone-beam CT was taken to supplement the plain film periapical and orthopantomogram radiographs. It showed the three-dimensional orientation of the double molar and the extent of joining. This is the first case of fusion of a mandibular third molar to a distomolar being reported in the Caribbean.

The influence of the eruption of mandibular third molars on the craniofacial morphology in Han youth of North China

Teeth affect not only oral problems but also facial morphology.In China,there are few reports about the influence of the third molars on the craniofacial morphology of Han youths.Using in vivo imaging software,3D reconstruction of craniofacial CTs were performed on 32 Chinese Han youths without mandibular third molars and 25 Chinese Han youth with full mandibular third molars.The morphology of their mandible and mandibular tissue was measured to identify differences.Among the morphological characteristics of hard tissues,except for∠ANB,people with a full eruption of the mandibular third molars had statistically significantly larger angle indicators than people without the eruption of the third molars.The soft tissue indicators also showed statistically significant discrepancies in terms of morphological facial height,mouth to gnathion distance,lip height,and mouth breadth.The most influential index for mandibular third molars was length of symphysis,followed by the four indicators of soft tissue and mandible length and height.Morphology facial height,mouth to gnathion distance,lip height,and height of symphysis were moderately correlated.The experimental results show that among Han youth in North China,the third molar eruption has a widespread influence on mandibular morphology,especially in angle,length,and height indicators.It also has a certain influence on maxillofacial soft tissue morphology.These results can be applied to future clinical risk assessment of the wisdom teeth and forensic personal identification of the cranial and maxillofacial region.

Post-surgical evaluation of dry socket formation after surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molar—A prospective study

Aims & Objectives: This study was performed to evaluate the incidence, risk factors (age, sex, infection, radiographic difficulty of the extraction, tobacco use) contributing to the development of dry socket and clinical features following surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molar. Materials and Methods: The study included 63 patients during period of September 2009 to September 2011 in the age group of 18 to 53 years with impacted mandibular third molars all of which were surgically removed under local anesthesia by the same operator. Following surgery all patients received a single dose of 4 mg corticosteroid intravenously and similar prescriptions for analgesics, antibiotics and postoperative instructions. All patients were reviewed at 3rd and 7th day postoperatively. Results: In this study incidence of dry socket was 6.3%. We also noticed onset of symptom mostly appeared within 48 hours. Postoperatively pain, bare bone and halitosis were the most significant clinical feature at 3rd postoperative day and pain, empty socket and bare bone were most significant clinical feature at 7th postoperative day. Variables like right 3rd molar impaction, patients mean age between 19 - 32 years, female, preoperative infection, radiographically difficult impaction and habitual tobacco users showed a higher incidence of dry socket formation. Conclusion: Incidence of dry socket formation is multifactorial and therefore, there is need to evaluate all factors, with special attentions in handling these patients to reduce the incidence of dry socket formation.

Comparison of an alveolar expansion technique and buccal guttering technique in the extraction of mandibular third molar. A Pilot Study

Background: The over-ambitious use of surgical drills for almost every case of third molar impaction is on the increase in most established oral surgery centers. The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the severity of post operative symptoms of swelling and pain that accompany the use of surgical drill in the buccal guttering technique and the non application of drill in an alveolar expansion technique. Methods: Consecutive patients with bilateral impacted lower third molars not associated with pericoronitis were included in the study, a total of 10 patients were included in the study. Extraction of both impacted third molars was done consecutively on the same day under local anaesthesia. Post operative morbidities that were assessed clinically are swelling and pain. Results: A total of 10 patients, 70% were females and males were 30%. Age range was 27 - 35 yrs.Out of the eight patients that had the two different techniques, 7 preferred the use of the alveolar expansion technique in which drill was not used. There were statistically significant differences in swellings between these two techniques, (p 0.01). Conclusions: To avoid excessive swelling and pain from over-ambitious cut-ting of soft tissues and drilling of bone, alveolar expansion technique should be considered first in pa-tients with less dense bone.

Assessment of the effect of wound closure technique on postoperative sequaele and complications after impacted mandibular third molar extraction

Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare the effect of complete and partial wound closures on postoperative sequelae and complications after surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars. Patients and Methods: One hundred and twenty patients who required 121 surgical extractions of mandibular impacted third molars were included in the study. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups based on wound closure after surgery. In group 1 (complete wound closure, n1 = 60) patients had their extraction sockets completely closed by mucosal flap while in group 2 (partial wound closure, n2 = 60) patients had their extraction sockets partially closed. Data collected included maximum inter-incisal distance (MID) and facial width which were recorded both preoperatively and postoperatively. What also recorded were postoperative pain intensity and postoperative complications. Results: There were 50 (41.7%) males and 70 (58.3%) females (male to female ratio of 1:1.4);age range was 18-40 years and the mean was 26 ± 10 years. The mean ages of patients in both groups showed no significant difference (group 1 = 26.5 ± 7.2;group 2 = 27.1 ± 8.1). The pain was maximal at the first postoperative day review and it gradually reduced in intensity towards the preoperative values for both groups. The pain perceptionsin patients in group 2 were however significantly lower than those of group 1 on days 1 and 3 but not statistically different on day 7. The mean difference in the postoperative and preoperative MID was greatest on the 1st postoperative day and gradually became smaller on the subsequent review days. Comparison of this mean difference between the 2 groups however showed a significant difference in the 2 groups only on day 7. Maximal swelling was noted in both groups on the third postoperative day. A comparison of the mean facial width between the two groups showed no statistically significant difference on all the review days. The postoperative complication rate was 5% in both groups. Conclusions: The results of the study indicate that there was a comparative reduction in postoperative sequelae namely pain and trismus after impacted mandibular third molar surgery when a partial wound closure technique was done. However, there was no significant difference in the postoperative complication rate between the two groups.

Successful surgical extraction of an impacted mandibular third molar in a patient treated with head & neck radiotherapy and chemotherapy for oral cancer

Osteoradionecrosis(ORN),a pathological condition characterized by a nonvital bone occurring in the site of radiation injury,is one of the significant risks following extraction of highly impacted third molar teeth in patients treated with head&neck radiotherapy for oral cancer.Therefore,the surgery’s meticulous planning is essential to avoid such complications.This case report describes a 63-year-old male patient diagnosed with an impacted lower third molar(tooth#38)with concurrent basal cell carcinoma of the right ear and squamous cell carcinoma of the right vocal cord treated with radiotherapy.Taking into account the patient’s health status,a minimally invasive osteotomy and a corono-radicular separation procedure were performed.This procedure allowed us to reduce the risk of mandibular ORN.Three years later,the healing was complete,and the situation was stable.

Three-dimensional computed topography analysis of a patient with an unusual anatomy of the maxillary second and third molars

We present a case of a patient with rare anatomy of a maxillary second molar with three mesiobuccal root canals and a maxillary third molar with four separate roots, identified using multi-slice computed topography （CT） and three-dimensional reconstruction techniques. The described case enriched/might enrich our knowledge about possible anatomical aberrations of maxillary molars. In addition, we demonstrate the role of multi-slice CT as an objective tool for confirmatory diagnosis and successful endodontic management.

Three-dimensional analysis of the physiological foramen geometry of maxillary and mandibular molars by means of micro-CT

The aim of this study was to investigate the physiological foramen diameter, shape and distance between physiological and anatomical apex of maxillary and mandibular first and second molars. Accurate knowledge of the physiological foramina morphology; thus, inherent mechanical shaping technical hindrances, is decisive when taking the corresponding root canal final preparation decision. The morphological dimensions of a total of 1 727 physiological foramina were investigated by means of micro-computed tomography. Mean narrow and wide （to a high number, oval） diameters of the physiological foramen were 0.24, 0.22 and 0.33 mm and 0.33, 0.31 and 0.42 mm in mesiobuccal （MB）, distobuccal （DB） and palatal （P） roots in maxillary first molars; 0.24, 0.22 and 0.33 mm and 0.41, 0.33 and 0.44 in MB, DB, and P roots in maxillary second molars. Mandibular first molars showed mean narrow and wide diameters of 0.24 and 0.30 mm and of 0.39 and 0.46 mm in mesial （M） and distal （D） roots; second mandibular molars showed 0.25 and 0.31 mm and 0.47 mm in M and D roots. The mean distance between the physiological foramina and anatomical apex was 0.82, 0.81 and 1.02 mm and 0.54, 0.43 and 0.63 mm in MB, DB and P roots of the maxillary first and second molars, respectively. A mean distance of 0.95 mm （M） and 1.05 mm （D） in the first and 0.78 mm （M） and 0.81 mm （D） in the second mandibular molars was observed. Based on the results obtained, assumable recommendations for final preparation size of the physiological foramen were calculated. However, when taking into consideration, the resulting standard deviations of marginal errors must be cautiously considered when taking a final decision in clinical endodontic treatment.

Root Canal Treatment of Mandibular First Molar with Radix Entomolaris

Aim: To confirm the effect of root canal treatment on radix entomolaris. Case: Radix entomolaris was an additional root that located on the distolingual of mandibular first molars. In this case, the radix entomolaris was detected clinically and radiographically with root canal configuration such as curves. An awareness and understanding of this unusual root and root canal morphology could contribute to the successful outcome of endodontic treatment. Conclusion: Root canal treatment on this case shows the lack of symptoms and normal radiographic presentation for two months follow-up.

Prevalence of Distolingual Roots in the Permanent Mandibular Molars in a Chinese Population

Objective: The purpose of this study was to detect the prevalence of distolingual(DL) roots in the permanent mandibular molars in a Chinese population by using cone-beam computed tomography(CBCT).Methods : A total of 500Chinese patients'CBCT images were examined.The incidences and bilateral concurrence rates of DL roots were determined for the permanent mandibular first,second and third molars.The differences between sexes and sides were tested by using Chi-square tests.The antimeric correlations for occurrence of the trait were analyzed with the Spearman's rank order correlation test.Results : The prevalence of 3-rooted mandibular first molars was 31.98%(134 / 419individuals) calculated by individuals,and 25.89%(217 / 838teeth) calculated by teeth.The bilateral concurrence rate was 61.94%.A significant right-side predilection was found in the female group(P=0.025) as well as for both sexes combined(P=0.009).The Spearman's correlations coefficient between antimeres was 0.77(P=0.000).The prevalence of DL roots in the mandibular second and third molars were 2.02%(8 / 396individuals) and 12.10%(19 / 157individuals),respectively.The corresponding bilateral concurrence rate was 12.50% and 35.83%,and the bilateral correlation coefficient was 0.22(P=0.000) and 0.50(P=0.000),respectively.Conclusion : Clinicians should be aware of the high prevalence of the DL roots in the Chinese population.Understanding the pattern of occurrence would be useful for dental treatment.

Concrescence of maxillary second molar and impacted third molar:A case report

BACKGROUND Morphological anomalies of teeth,including talon cusp,dens evaginatus,gemination,fusion,concrescence,root dilaceration,and taurodontism,always involve changes in the enamel,cementum and dentin.Diagnosing concrescent teeth through routine clinical examination alone is difficult,and most cases of concrescence are found accidentally during extraction.A definite preoperative diagnosis of concrescence would contribute to a better treatment plan and fewer undesirable complications CASE SUMMARY A 47-year-old woman who complained of left maxillary first molar loss for half a year presented to our department seeking treatment by dental implant restoration.Panoramic radiography and cone-beam computed tomography(CBCT)showed an unclear boundary between the distal root of the second molar and the mesial root of the third molar.The teeth were extracted under local anesthesia,and a definite diagnosis of concrescence was made by histopathological examination.CONCLUSION CBCT is a useful tool for diagnosing and planning the management of tooth concrescence and may be beneficial for reducing unnecessary complications.

Incidence of C-shaped root canal systems in mandibular second molars in the native Chinese population by analysis of clinical methods

The aims of the study were to investigate the incidence of C-shaped root canal systems in mandibular second molars in a native Chinese population using radiography and clinical examination under microscope and to compare the relative efficacies of these methods. For the recognition of C-shaped root canal system, 1 146 mandibular second molars were selected and examined. Teeth with C-shaped canal systems were categorized by using the radiographic classification criteria and the modified Melton＇s method. C-shaped canals were identified in 397 （34.64%） mandibular second molars by radiography （type I, 31.23%; type II, 38.29%; type III, 30.48%）. Clinical examination showed that 449 （39.18%） cases exhibited C-shaped canal systems （C1, 22.94%; C2, 48.11%; C3a, 15.59%; C3b, 13.36%）. As for the result of the radiographic and clinical combined examination, C-shaped root canals were found in 473 （41.27%） mandibular second molars （C1, 21.78%; C2, 45.67%; C3a, 16.70%; C3b, 15.86%）. The incidence of C-shaped root canal diagnosed by radiographic method was statistically different from that by clinical examination and the combined examination （P〈O.05）. The study indicated a high incidence of C-shaped canal system in a Chinese population. The combination of microscopic and radiographic examination is an effective method in identifying the C-shaped root canal system.

Impacted Lower Third Molar Fused with a Supernumerary Tooth—Diagnosis and Treatment Planning Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

This paper reported a case of fusion between an impacted third molar and a supernumerary tooth, in which a surgical intervention was carried out, with the objective of removing the dental elements. The panoramic radiography was complemented by the Donovan＇s radiographic technique; but because of the proximity of the dental element to the mandibular ramus, it was not possible to have a final fusion diagnosis. Hence, the Cone-Beam Computed Tomography--which provides precise three- dimensional information--was used to determinate the fusion diagnosis and also to help in the surgical planning. In this case report we observed that the periapical, occlusal and panoramic were not able to show details which could only be examined through the cone-beam computed tomo- graphy.

Role of third molars in orthodontics

The role of third molars in the oral cavity has been extensively studied over the years. Literature includes numerous diagnostic and treatment alternatives regarding the third molars. However, an issue that has not been discussed at the same level is their involvement in orthodontic therapy. The aim of this study is to present a review of the contemporary literature regarding the most broadly discussed aspects of the multifactorial role of third molars in orthodontics and which are of general dental interest too.

Removal of nonimpacted third molars alters the periodontal condition of their neighbors clinically, immunologically, and microbiologically

Considering the adverse effects of nonimpacted third molars(N-M3s)on the periodontal health of adjacent second molars(M2s),the removal of N-M3s may be beneficial to the periodontal health of their neighbors.This study aimed to investigate the clinical,immunological,and microbiological changes of the periodontal condition around M2s following removal of neighboring N-M3s across a 6-month period.Subjects with at least one quadrant containing an intact first molar(M1),M2,and N-M3 were screened and those who met the inclusion criteria and decided to receive N-M3 extraction were recruited in the following investigation.M2 periodontal condition was interrogated before M3 extraction(baseline)and at 3 and 6 months postoperatively.Improvements in clinical periodontal indexes of M2s in response to their adjacent N-M3 removal,along with changes in inflammatory biomarkers among gingival crevicular fluid(GCF)and the composition of subgingival plaque collected from the distal sites of the M2s of the targeted quadrant were parallelly analyzed.Complete data of 26 tooth extraction patients across the follow-up period were successfully obtained and subsequently applied for statistical analysis.Compared to the baseline,the periodontal condition of M2s was significantly changed 6 months after N-M3 removal;specifically,the probing depth of M2s significantly reduced(P<0.001),the matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-8 concentration involved in GCF significantly decreased(P=0.025),and the abundance of the pathogenic genera unidentified Prevotellaceae and Streptococcus significantly decreased(P<0.001 and P=0.009,respectively).We concluded that N-M3 removal was associated with superior clinical indexes,decreased GCF inflammatory biomarkers,and reduced pathogenic microbiome distribution within the subgingival plaque.Although the retention or removal of N-M3s continues to be controversial,our findings provide additional evidence that medical decisions should be made as early as possible or at least before the neighboring teeth are irretrievably damaged.

Clinical significance of computed tomography assessment for third molar surgery

Surgical extraction of the third molar is the most commonly performed surgical procedure in the clinical practice of oral surgery.Third molar surgery is warranted when there is inadequate space for eruption,malpositioning,or risk for cyst or odontogenic tumor formation.Preoperative assessment should include a detailed morphologic analysis of the third molar and its relationship to adjacent structures and surrounding tissues.Due to developments in medical engineering technology,computed tomography(CT)now plays a critical role in providing the clear images required for adequate assessment prior to third molar surgery.Removal of the maxillary third molar is associated with a risk for maxillary sinus perforation,whereas removal of the mandibular third molar can put patients at risk for a neurosensory deficit from damage to the lingual nerve or inferior alveolar nerve.Multiple factors,including demographic,anatomic,and treatment-related factors,influence the incidence of nerve injury during or following removal of the third molar.CT assessment of the third molar prior to surgery can identify some of these risk factors,such as the absence of cortication between themandibular third molar and the inferior alveolar canal,prior to surgery to reduce the risk for nerve damage.This topic highlight presents an overview of the clinical significance of CT assessment in third molar surgery.

Successful individualized endodontic treatment of severely curved root canals in a mandibular second molar:A case report

BACKGROUND The incidence rate of severely curved root canals in mandibular molars is low,and the root canal treatment of mandibular molars with this aberrant canal anatomy may be technically challenging.CASE SUMMARY A 26-year-old Chinese female patient presented with intermittent and occlusal pain in the left mandibular second molar.The patient had undergone filling restoration for caries before endodontic consultation.With the aid of cone beam computed tomography(CBCT),a large periapical radiolucency was observed,and curved root canals in a mandibular second molar were confirmed,depicting a severe and curved distolingual root.Nonsurgical treatments,including novel individualized preparation skills and techniques and the use of bioceramic materials as an apical barrier,were performed,and complete healing of the periapical lesion and a satisfactory effect were achieved.CONCLUSION A case of severely curved root canals in a mandibular second molar was successfully treated and are reported herein.The complex anatomy of the tooth and the postoperative effect were also evaluated via the three-dimensional reconstruction of CBCT images,which accurately identified the aberrant canal morphology.New devices and biomaterial applications combined with novel synthesis techniques can increase the success rate of intractable endodontic treatment.