3RD MOLAR SURGERY - AN AUDIT OF THE INDICATIONS FOR SURGERY, POSTOPERATIVE COMPLAINTS AND PATIENT SATISFACTION

A prospective investigation was undertaken of 522 patients undergoing third molar surgery. Data relating to indications for surgery and qual ity of care were collected on both pre- and post-operative proformas. This investigation showed that over half of the patients did not have clinically sound indications for surgery. The incidence of post-operat ive complications was approximately the same as other studies on third molar surgery. Patient satisfaction was at a high level, although thi s study revealed that a percentage of symptom-free patients undergoing third molar surgery sustained nerve damage some of which remains unre ported. Clear and well defined indications for third molar surgery do exist and should be adhered to. Operating on patients without good rea son involves unnecessary expenditure to purchasing authorities, cost t o the patient in both time off work and post-operative complications a nd further, may result in potentially avoidable legal problems for pra ctitioners. A reappraisal of the impacted third molar is indicated pri or to committing the patient to surgery, such that the indications for surgery are compatible with current views on quality assurance, healt h service economics and medico-legal common sense.