Third molars Flashcards
what 2 nerves are in close proximity to mandibular third molars and where are they?
lingual nerve- close relationship to lingual plate in mandible and retro molar region
inferior alveolar nerve- close relation to M3M, anterior tooth at apex.
what guidelines are followed when considering third molar extraction?
NICE
SIGN
FDS, RCS 2020
what does the guidelines suggest with regards to removal of third molars?
discourages removal unless pathology (NICE and SIGN)
not removing impacted third molars puts off inevitable surgery, which could make it more complex (patient age, caries, complications etc) (FDS)
what type of radiograph should be taken pre-op?
OPT
CBCT if close relationship of M3M to IDC on OPT
what should be recorded from the OPT?
presence/ absence of disease
anatomy of M3M
depth of impaction
orientation of impaction
working distance
follicular width
periodontal status
relationship to maxillary antrum or inferior alveolar nerve canal.
why record he follicular width?
if follicular width is increased, there may be pathology eg dentigenous cyst
how is depth of impaction measured?
superficial= crown of 8 at level of crown of 7
moderate= in between
deep= crown of 8 a level of roots of 7
how is orientation of impaction measured?
measured against curve of spee
can be: horizontal, transverse, vertical, mesial, distal
what are the 3 main indications of close proximity of M3M to IDC? and the other 4 indications
- disruption of canal
- darkening of roots
- deflection of roots
also- narrowing of roots, dark and blind apex of root, diversion of canal, narrowing of canal
what are indications for third molar extraction? (11)
infection
cysts (dentigenous cyst from REE)
tumours/ part of cancer ressection
External inflammatory root resorption of 7
high risk of disease (mesio angular or horizontal impaction)
medical indications (to deem dentally fit)
accessibility to care
pt age
autotransplantation
GA
what are the treatment options for M3M?
referral
clinical review
extraction
extraction of maxillary third molar
coronectomy
operculectomy
surgical exposure
pre surgical ortho
autotransplantation
if making a referral, what should be included in the letter?
SBAR
situation
background
assesement
recommendation
include any photos or radiographs
what factors should be taking into account when assessing need for extraction?
current status of M3M- history, clinical exam, radiographs
patient age and medical status
risk of complications
patient access to care
opposing third molar status/ contralateral third molar - if undergoing GA
what should be explained to patient when discussing treatment options?
current status of M3M
risk status of patient and M3M
explain to pt that current symptoms and disease status may change over time and therefore, treatment options and risk of complications may also change with time.
discuss risks and possible complications of each of the treatment options.
How would you gain informed consent for surgical removal of M3M?
explain why this is the treatment of choice
decide on method of anaesthesia
explain the procedure- what to expect- is tooth likely to need sectioned, raising a flap, drilling bone, sutures etc
possible complications eg fracturing of adjacent teeth or restorations, jaw fracture in elderly
what to expect afterwards