Is there a role for reconstructive techniques to prevent periodontal defects after third molar surgery?

Abstracts on this page have been chosen and edited by Dr Trevor Watts

Abstract

This study suggests that placing demineralised bone powder (DBP) in sockets may reduce such defects after extraction.

Main

Dodson TB J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2005; 63: 891–896

Some patients are at high risk of 2nd molar (M2) periodontal defects after 3rd molar (M3) removal. In this study, 12 such patients (mean age 30 yrs, 3 tobacco smokers) with 18 such M3s were randomised to 3 categories in an original cohort of 27 subjects: DBP in the extraction wound, resorbable guided tissue regeneration (GTR) membrane placed over the socket, or control. Probing attachment level (PAL) on the distal of M2 was evaluated up to 26 weeks postoperatively.

Preoperatively, mean PAL in mm was 6.8 for controls, 5.4 for GTR and 7.6 for DBP (P = 0.43). Respective 26 week scores were: 3.8, 3.0 and 1.4 (P = 0.002). The differences between GTR and DBP and between DBP and control were significant, but not that between GTR and control. The author draws attention to the small sample and possible selection bias in the study.