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Bui CH Seldin EB et al. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2003; 61: 1379–1389

This study examined records of 583 patients who had 1597 third molars removed over a 5 year period. Root development was complete in 82%, 3/4 of mandibular teeth were close to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN), 79% of extractions were under LA, and 72% involved a surgical approach.

There were 74 recorded complications, affecting 5% of teeth and 10% of subjects. Operative complications included bleeding (n = 9), IAN damage (6), oroantral communication (3), and incomplete removal (1). Inflammatory complications included alveolitis (23), delayed healing (23), infection (8), haematoma (7), pain (4), swelling (1) and sequestration (1).

The authors identify age, anatomical position and planned operation as significant factors which might be modified indirectly by the clinician, by operating as early as possible, and using additional imaging techniques.