The prevention and management of distal cervical caries of the mandibular second molar

Abstract

Distal Cervical Caries (DCC) of the mandibular second molar has become a more frequent complication of third molar impaction as a direct consequence of the introduction of NICE's guidance on the management of wisdom teeth. NICE's tenet that disease free impacted third molars can be retained is contradicted by the development of DCC on the second molar as its diagnosis asks the simple question of why the impacted third molar was not removed before DCC occurred. This paper aims to address the features of DCC associated with the second molar and outlines how dentists should address its diagnosis but, more importantly, how to recognize those at risk and how patients should be managed. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Clinical management of impacted third molar teeth.

Age matters if you are cheese, wine or a third molar: Correlating age with the indications for and complications following third molar removal

“…Adjacent second molar teeth exhibited signs of both subgingival root caries, and large periodontal defects of the distal root. Technically speaking, these conditions are both challenging to manage over the longer term given difficulties in access for the general dentist, and thus likely to eventuate in tooth loss 19,20 . The consequences of decayed, periodontally compromised or pericoronitis‐affected third molars extend well‐past dental health; third molars play a significant role in the development of deep space odontogenic neck infections, resulting in serious morbidity and potential mortality 21 …”

“…Technically speaking, these conditions are both challenging to manage over the longer term given difficulties in access for the general dentist, and thus likely to eventuate in tooth loss. 19,20 The consequences of decayed, periodontally compromised or pericoronitisaffected third molars extend well-past dental health; third molars play a significant role in the development of deep T A B L E 2 (Continued) space odontogenic infections, resulting in serious morbidity and mortality. 21 Several limitations restrict the clinical applicability of the findings outlines in this study.…”