Patterns of Root Morphology of Mandibular Third Molars and Their Clinical Implications in a Cohort of Sri Lankan Patients

Abstract

Background: Mandibular third molar surgeries garnered recognition as one of the common treatment procedures provided by Oral & Maxillofacial practices across the globe. Mandibular third molars are not only impacted, often giving rise to bothering issues to patients ranging from pain to difficulty in opening mouth but create challenges in their surgical removal. Postoperative complications of those surgeries such as pain, swelling, trismus and alveolar osteitis (dry socket) could be prevented and controlled by meticulous preoperative assessment of tooth-related and patient-related factors. Pattern of root morphology could be one important tooth-related factor connected to difficulties and subsequent postoperative complications of mandibular third molar surgeries. Aim: Against this backdrop, the aim of this study was to explore the patterns of root morphology of mandibular third molars and to elucidate their associations with selected attributes of the surgeries, self-reported preoperative pain and selected postoperative complications among a cohort of Sri Lankan patients. Materials & Methods: A hospital based, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 715 patients (represented wider age range from adolescents to older adults) who underwent surgical removal of mandibular third molars at the