Article information
Year 2019 Volume 69 Issue 2 Page 198-208
Title:
Complications of Wisdom Tooth Removal by Non-Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons: Rate and Related Factors
Keyword(s):
Complication, Removal, Wisdom tooth, non-oral and maxillofacial surgeon
Abstract:
Wisdom tooth removal has a wide range of potential complications. Most are insignificant, yet critical ones may
result in irreversible consequences. In addition, the rate of complications varies widely and seems to be influenced
by a variety of factors. However, there is limited knowledge about the complications, especially in contexts where
oral and maxillofacial surgeons are unavailable. This retrospective cohort study aimed to determine the rate of
complications in wisdom tooth removals by non-oral and maxillofacial surgeons and relating factors. Using a structured
record form, this study collected data from dental records of patients who had their wisdom teeth removed between
2012 and 2017. Of the 898 teeth removed by nine non-oral and maxillofacial surgeons, 631 teeth (70.3 %) met the
eligibility criteria. Ten types of signs and symptoms recorded in the operation, emergency and follow-up visits indicated
the presence of complications. Multiple Logistic Regression and the Generalized Estimating Equation were used to
analyze five potentially related factors. The findings showed that three-fourths of wisdom teeth were removed from
female patients. The average age was 26.7±9.36 years old. The rate of complications was 12.0 % (95%CI 9.6-14.8). The
first three complications were severe pain (4.9 %), alveolar osteitis (2.5 %) and incomplete root removal (1.5 %).
The increasing of age by five years would lead to 27 % of developing complications (ORadj=1.27 95%CI 1.14–1.42 p < 0.001).