The Importance of Flap Design in Third Molar Surgery: A Systematic Review

Izquierdo Gómez K¹, González Navarro B², García Ortiz de Zárate F³, Arranz Obispo C³, Jané Salas E³ and López López J*³

Received: December 02, 2018;   Published: December 10, 2018

DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2018.11.002164

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Abstract

The third molar extraction is a common practice in oral surgery [1,2]. They are present in 90% of the population and around 33% of patients have at least an impacted third molar, whose cause is associated to genetic and environmental factors [3]. The possible complications related to the presence of impacted or retained inferior third molars (infectious, inflammatory, tumors, or neurological complications) forces the surgical extraction in many occasions, either for therapeutic or prophylactic reasons. The surgical exodontia of the inferior third molar implies several post-surgical complications, such as damage into the structures adjacent to the third molar (nerves, bone and soft tissues), and the tissues near the surgical area (tongue and lips among others). In the post-surgical period, pain, inflammation, trismus, early or late infection, or paresthesia have been described. Therefore, designing and implementing an optimum flap would facilitate a better technique, better visibility for the surgeon and minimize complications [4].