IADR Abstract Archives
Distal Wedge Technique During Third Molar Extraction
Objectives: Surgical removal of third molars requires that a flap be created and ostectomy be performed. This surgery may be associated with a variety of complications. One of the most overlooked is the compromised periodontal status of the adjacent second molar leading to a greater probability of development of periodontal pockets, which could lead toloss of bonein this area.
To address these concerns, the distal wedge procedure represents a reliable therapeutic approach.
the objective of these cases reports are to identify the importance of incorporating distal wedge technique into the extraction of third molars and to showcase its effect on the periodontum on the distal aspect of the seond molar.
Methods: Two patients, aged respectively 18 and 19 years old, are reported in these cases. Each participant owned similar bilateral impacted mandibular third molar. Periodontal parameters (i.e. probing depth (PD), plaque index (PI) and the distance from cusp tip to gingival margin (CT-GM)) were measured. The standard mandibular third molar surgery was performed on one side while for the other side the distal wedge surgery with or without ostectomy was added to the protocol.
Results: At the site where distal wedge was performed, significant change in CT-GM occurred at all aspects and a significant PD reduction
was observed at disto-buccal and mid-distal sites. Distance between cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) and gingival margin reduced significantly at all sites. No significant difference between two groups was found in GI, PI.
Conclusions: By foreseeing the possibility of periodontal pocket formation, strategic planning to incorporate distal wedge surgery into the standard surgical third molar removal with or without osseous contouring does not only improve periodontal status of adjacent second molar, but also provide patient’s satisfaction which eventually improves quality of life.However, adequate plaque control still plays an important role in postoperative healing and the reestablishment of physiologic periodontium.
To address these concerns, the distal wedge procedure represents a reliable therapeutic approach.
the objective of these cases reports are to identify the importance of incorporating distal wedge technique into the extraction of third molars and to showcase its effect on the periodontum on the distal aspect of the seond molar.
Methods: Two patients, aged respectively 18 and 19 years old, are reported in these cases. Each participant owned similar bilateral impacted mandibular third molar. Periodontal parameters (i.e. probing depth (PD), plaque index (PI) and the distance from cusp tip to gingival margin (CT-GM)) were measured. The standard mandibular third molar surgery was performed on one side while for the other side the distal wedge surgery with or without ostectomy was added to the protocol.
Results: At the site where distal wedge was performed, significant change in CT-GM occurred at all aspects and a significant PD reduction
was observed at disto-buccal and mid-distal sites. Distance between cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) and gingival margin reduced significantly at all sites. No significant difference between two groups was found in GI, PI.
Conclusions: By foreseeing the possibility of periodontal pocket formation, strategic planning to incorporate distal wedge surgery into the standard surgical third molar removal with or without osseous contouring does not only improve periodontal status of adjacent second molar, but also provide patient’s satisfaction which eventually improves quality of life.However, adequate plaque control still plays an important role in postoperative healing and the reestablishment of physiologic periodontium.