Effect of surgical removal of the mandibular third molars on signs and symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction: a pilot study.

It has been suggested that unerupted mandibular third molars can simulate signs and symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction. Clinical stomatognathic examinations were carried out before the first and third months after the second operative removal of mandibular third molars in 22 university students. Judged by the Helkimo dysfunction index, 55% of the patients had mild dysfunction and 45% had moderate dysfunction in the first examination. Forty-five percent had mild and 55% had moderate or severe dysfunction in the second. Obvious changes in the range of mandibular movement were observed on maximal mouth opening and in lateral movements of the mandible.