Pathologic changes in soft tissues associated with asymptomatic impacted third molars.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the need for routine removal of asymptomatic impacted third molars under the prophylactic indication, based on the incidence of pathologic changes. The frequency and type of pathologic conditions associated with impacted third molars were also evaluated. STUDY DESIGN: One hundred twenty impacted third molar dental follicles were submitted for histopathologic examination. The association between dental follicles and pathologic changes, age, gender, and angular position were statistically evaluated. RESULTS: Among these dental follicles, pathologic conditions were found in 23%. The relation between pathologic changes and angular position was not statistically significant (chi(2) = 2.040; P > .05). Pathologic changes were seen mostly in women who were > or = 20 years old. CONCLUSIONS: Cystic changes may be developed in asymptomatic impacted third molars. Asymptomatic impacted third molars should be removed before pathologic changes can occur.

Routine antibiotic prophylaxis is not necessary during operations to remove third molars.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis during removal of impacted third molars. We studied 150 patients with impacted mandibular or maxillary third molars who were divided randomly into three groups. The first was given amoxicillin 2g combined with clavulanic acid, orally daily for 5 days postoperatively; starting at the end of the operation. The second group was given the same drugs but the regimen started 5 days before the operation. The third was given no antibiotics. Pain, infection, swelling, alveolar osteitis, and interincisal mouth opening (mm) were evaluated. There were no significant differences among the groups in the incidence of these complications. We cannot recommend routine oral antibiotic prophylaxis in third molar surgery.

An unusual association of odontomas with primary teeth.

Odontomas generally appear as small, solitary or multiple radio-opaque lesions found on routine radiographic examinations. Traditionally, odontomas have been classified as benign odontogenic tumors and are subdivided into complex or compound odontomas morphologically. Compound odontomas commonly occur in the incisor-canine region of the maxilla and complex odontomas are frequently located in the premolar and molar region of both jaws. Occasionally, odontoma may cause disturbances in the eruption of teeth such as impaction, delay eruption or retention of primary teeth. In general, odontomas occur more often in the permanent dentition and are very rarely associated with the primary teeth. In this report; two cases of compound odontoma associated with primary teeth is presented. (Eur J Dent 2007;1:45-49).