A regimen of systematic periodontal care after removal of impacted mandibular third molars manages periodontal pockets associated with the mandibular second molars

J Clin Periodontol. 2005 Jul;32(7):725-31. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-051X.2005.00773.x.

Abstract

Aim: This randomized, single-blinded control trial investigated the local effects of periodontal care on the mandibular second molar delivered during and after impacted third molar surgical extraction.

Method: Thirty subjects (50% male, 32.1+/-7.8 years) out of 35 enrolled, with a mesio-angular impacted mandibular third molar, having probing pocket depth (PPD) >5 mm at adjacent second molar distal, and crestal radio-lucency between the two teeth, completed the study. Oral hygiene instruction, scaling and caries stabilization were performed before surgery. Controls (n=16) had their third molar extracted followed by standard socket debridement. Test group subjects (n=14) received the same treatment, except that before wound closure the operator was informed of the group allocation and ultrasonic root debridement on the second molar was performed, followed by a three-visit plaque control programme.

Results: Six months post-extraction, statistically significantly (p<0.007) better plaque control and shallower probing depths were observed at test second molars' distal (%plaque=21; PPD=3.2+/-1.2 mm) than at control second molars (%plaque=88; PPD=5.2+/-0.7 mm).

Conclusions: The periodontal interventions investigated prevented residual pockets on periodontally involved second molars 6 months after ipsilateral impacted mandibular third molar removal.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alveolar Bone Loss / complications
  • Alveolar Bone Loss / therapy*
  • Data Interpretation, Statistical
  • Dental Plaque / prevention & control
  • Dental Scaling*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mandible
  • Molar / pathology
  • Molar, Third / surgery*
  • Periodontal Pocket / therapy*
  • Postoperative Care
  • Sample Size
  • Single-Blind Method
  • Subgingival Curettage
  • Tooth Extraction* / adverse effects
  • Tooth, Impacted / complications
  • Tooth, Impacted / surgery
  • Ultrasonic Therapy