The necessity to adequately visualize impacted maxillary third molars: report of three cases

Article Abstract:

Dentists may have difficulty diagnosing impaction and disease in the third molars (wisdom teeth) because these teeth are located where they are not easily X-rayed. While it is necessary to visualize the third molars before treatment decisions are made, routine periapical radiographs frequently miss these teeth altogether. Three cases are discussed in which the third molars were not adequately visualized, with potentially disastrous results for the patient. The first case was a 20-year-old man who complained of pain and a foul discharge from the back of his upper jaw. While the routine periapical X-ray did not show the third molar at all, a panoramic radiograph and lateral posteroanterior skull radiographs did locate the impacted tooth. The swollen area was drained of purulent matter and laboratory tests indicated infection with Alpha streptococcus and Neisseria catarrahlis bacteria. Surgery was performed to remove a large dentigerous cyst and the patient was treated with antibiotics. In the second case, a 38-year-old man with swelling and drainage of foul-smelling fluid was found to have two grossly displaced third molars with extensive bone destruction. Again, repeated routine radiographs had not shown these teeth to be present. The teeth were located using panoramic X-rays and CT (computed tomography) scans with intravenous contrast material (dye). Both impacted teeth and the one cyst were removed surgically. The third case was similar to the other two. These cases demonstrate that extensive cysts with bony destruction can occur when impacted third molars have not been visualized on standard X-rays and extracted. Patients aged 18 to 25 who appear not to have wisdom teeth by routine radiograph should have a panoramic X-ray performed to be certain that these teeth are located and removed if warranted. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Methods, Dentistry, Molars

---

Removing high-risk impacted mandibular third molars: a surgical-orthodontic approach

Article Abstract:

Surgeons who want to remove an impacted molar might consider using an orthodontic brace to extrude the tooth before surgery. This could reduce damage to the inferior alveolar nerve if it passes close to the tooth. This procedure was used on a 21-year-old woman with an impacted third molar. The surgeon applied a brace to straighten the tooth and removed the tooth three months later. The procedure is more time-consuming and expensive, but it can eliminate damage to the nerve, which can occur in up to 30% of extractions.

Usage, Surgery, Orthodontic appliances, Third molars, Wisdom teeth

---

Transmigrant impacted mandibular canines: a retrospective study of 15 cases

Article Abstract:

A retrospective study of 15 cases describes the clinical and radiologic characteristics of patients with transmigrant impacted mandibular canines. Surgical extraction is seen to be the preferred treatment but sometimes due to the risks involved, periodic clinical and radiological follow-up visits are advised.

United States, Care and treatment, Tooth abnormalities, Clinical report

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: A professional response to demands for accountability: practical recommendations regarding ethical aspects of patient care
• Abstracts: Recognition of gonadotroph adenomas in women. A randomized, controlled trial of corticosteroids in the treatment of acute optic neuritis
• Abstracts: The effects of polyunsaturated fat vs monounsaturated fat on plasma lipoproteins. Diet vs exercise in weight maintenance: the effects of minimal intervention strategies on long-term outcomes in men
• Abstracts: The American Cancer Society National Prostate Cancer Detection Project: findings on the detection of early prostate cancer in 2425 men
• Abstracts: Interventional coronary therapy in the elderly. Thrombolytic therapy in acute myocardial infarction. Nonthrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.