Complaints and complications associated with removal of the mandibular third molar. A prospective clinical study

OBJECTIVE: To study the incidence of complaints and complications after removal of the mandibular third molar and to evaluate the influence of this procedure on functioning of the patient during the first post-surgical week. DESIGN: Prospective, clinical. SETTING: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Groningen. METHODS: Patients referred for removal of a mandibular third molar were asked to return one week after the procedure and to keep a daily record of the use of pain medication, duration of the pain and intensity of the pain. RESULTS: Removal of mandibular third molars resulted in an overall complication rate of 12%. Pain medication was used more frequently and for a longer period by patients with post-surgical complications. Due to complaints following the removal of the mandibular third molar, the mean absence from work was one and a half day. Work was generally resumed with decreased perceived efficiency. CONCLUSION: After this commonly performed procedure in dento-alveolar surgery most of the patients were hampered as a result of pain during the first four post-surgical days. Over 10% of the patients developed complications leading to more frequently and prolonged use of pain medication. Removal of the mandibular third molar gave rise to complaints which influenced the patients relatively strong in their daily functioning.