RESUMEN
PURPOSE: To compare the operating time, root fracture and postoperative complications between split-root extraction and medial resistance removal in extraction of mandibular small-angle impacted third molars, to evaluate the advantages of split-root extraction in medially impacted tooth extraction. METHODS: Forty male patients with bilaterally mandibular medial small-angle impacted third molars, having multiple roots in panoramic films, were selected. The impacted teeth on one side were extracted by using split-root method, while the similar impacted teeth on the other side were extracted by using medial resistance removal method. The operating time, root fracture, postoperative pain, facial edema, and mouth opening were recorded. SPSS11.5 software package was used and paired t test was performed to analyze the data. RESULTS: There were significant differences in operating time and root fracture between the two methods (P<0.05). In the split-root group, the operating time was shorter and root fracture were less. After 24 hours, facial edema, limited mouth opening, and pain of the split-root group was less severe than that of the medial resistance removal group, differences were significant(P<0.05). After 72 hours, limited mouth opening of the split-root group was milder than that of the resistance removal group, the difference was significant (P<0.05). After 120 hours, there was no significant difference of any complications between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: In extraction of mandibular medial small-angle impacted third molars with multiple roots, the operating time of split-root extraction is shorter. The root fracture possibility of split-root extraction is smaller, and postoperative complications are less common.