Surgical removal of third molars in a young adult: review of indications and surgical techniques

Abstract

Germectomy is a surgical method most typically performed in young adults. The indications for treatment are controversial. The purpose of this review was to determine the correct indications for germectomy and to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure. We reviewed the surgical techniques (anesthetic methods, patient preparation, and flap designs) and complications. Germectomy for orthodontic purposes is a common indication for surgical removal of tooth germ among young patients. Several studies have supported removal at an earlier age to produce fewer surgical complications. Several surgical techniques have been described in the literature.

Partial tooth formation diagnosed eight years after an extraction of the maxillary third molar germ in a complete crown formation stadium: A case report

“…The indications and surgical techniques for germectomy of the mandibular M3 are clearly defined and described in the literature [ 6 ], whereas there are no clear indications and limited literature on germectomy of the maxillary M3 [ 10 , 11 ].…”

“…Common complications associated with M3 extraction include swelling, bleeding, hemorrhage, pain, delayed-onset infections, trismus, alveolar osteitis, inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) and lingual nerve (LN) paresthesia [ 5 ]. A higher tooth bud position and the risk of tooth displacement in the infratemporal fossa during surgery planning of the maxillary M3 germ makes the success of germectomy unlikely with little benefit [ 6 ].…”