Thesis
Characterization of trends in third molar extractions
University of Iowa
Master of Science (MS), University of Iowa
Spring 2024
DOI: 10.25820/etd.007391
Abstract
Introduction
Third molar extractions are a routine procedure performed by dentists and oral surgeons. The American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery recommends that unerupted third molars be evaluated for extraction to prevent future complications, although multiple systematic literature reviews have not found sufficient evidence to support clinical benefit from prophylactic extraction of third molars over no treatment. Considering conflicting evidence and guidance, we aimed to observe and characterize the real-world trends in third molar extraction at The University of Iowa College of Dentistry.
Materials and Methods
We conducted a retrospective analysis of 21,616 patients and 69,171 extracted third molars. Using six types of extraction codes commonly associated with third molar extractions (D7140, D7210, D7220, D7230, D7240, D7241), we were able to relate patient variables and clinical presentation (fully erupted, soft tissue impacted, etc.) with age, gender, and arch location (maxillary vs. mandibular). As the data was collected over a 16-year span, we were also able to analyze changes in trends over that time period.
Results
Most patients (61.4%) had all four third molars removed, and the majority (71%) of the extracted third molars were impacted. Mandibular third molars were more likely to be impacted. The removal of impacted third molars was seen more frequently in young patients and female patients.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Characterization of trends in third molar extractions
- Creators
- Fuad C. Farah
- Contributors
- Kyungsup Shin (Advisor)Lina Moreno (Committee Member)Steven Marshall (Committee Member)Thomas Southard (Committee Member)Brian Howe (Committee Member)
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (MS), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Orthodontics
- Date degree season
- Spring 2024
- DOI
- 10.25820/etd.007391
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- viii, 39 pages
- Copyright
- Copyright 2024 Fuad C. Farah
- Language
- English
- Date submitted
- 04/22/2024
- Description illustrations
- tables, graphs
- Description bibliographic
- Includes bibliographical references (pages 35-39).
- Public Abstract (ETD)
- Third molars, also known as wisdom teeth, are most often the last teeth to erupt in the mouth and often lack sufficient space to erupt. When there is not enough space for their eruption, third molars are at an increased risk for developing cysts or causing damage to other teeth. Therefore, these teeth are routinely removed by dentists and oral surgeons. However, there is no consensus from experts on whether these teeth should be removed before an actual issue arises, i.e. prophylactically. We aimed to observe the demographic trends associated with the different types of extraction procedure codes at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. We looked at 21,616 patients and 69,171 extracted third molars that were extracted between 2008 and 2023. Using 6 types of extraction codes commonly associated with third molar extractions, we were able to relate patient variables and clinical presentation (fully erupted, soft tissue impacted, etc.) with age, gender, and arch location (maxillary vs. mandibular). Most patients had all four third molars removed, and mandibular third molars were more likely to be impacted. Impacted third molars were removed at a younger age compared with erupted third molars. Additionally, female patients had a slightly higher rate of impaction compared to male patients, and on average, had their third molars removed at a younger age.
- Academic Unit
- Orthodontics
- Record Identifier
- 9984647556002771
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