Evaluation of Risk Factors for Postoperative Third Molar Morbidity in Benin City: A Prospective Study

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this prospective study was to evaluate the effect of several clinical variables (nature of impaction, gender and age) as risk factors for postoperative morbidity following mandibular third molar surgery.

Methods: All 80 patients who had mandibular third molar surgery at a tertiary hospital under local anaesthesia were assessed for postoperative complications (pain, swelling and trismus). Preoperatively, pain was assessed using the visual analogue scale, trismus by measuring the interincisal distance of the central incisors and swelling by taking measurements from three standard anatomical points (pogonium, tragus and labial angular commissure). These parameters were evaluated postoperatively on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 7th day.

Results: A total of 72 patients, 27 males and 45 females completed the study and were thus analyzed. Distoangular impaction was significantly associated with pain, swelling and trimus on day 1 and 2 (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the risk of postoperative pain and swelling were significantly higher in females on day 1 and 3. There was nonetheless no demonstrable risk association between gender and trismus. Patients older than 25years were significantly more at risk for pain, swelling and trismus on day 1 and 2 (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molar should be carried out well before the age of 25 years especially in females. Distoangular impaction is a major risk factor in the development of postoperative morbidities.

Keywords: Risk factors, third molar, postoperative morbidity