Retained upper third molars during Le Fort I osteotomy with downfracture.

AIM

The aim of our study is to demonstrate that the presence of upper wisdom teeth must be evaluated before and during Le Fort I osteotomy because attention must be focused to the disadvantages or facilitations of surgery depending on molar presence.

MATERIALS OF STUDY

Our study has analyzed two groups, each one including 20 patients, 10 males and 10 females, with an age between 16-30 years. The first group was treated with le Fort I osteotomy leaving in situ the wisdom upper third molars. The second group was treated with Le Fort I osteotomy after the extraction of the wisdom upper third molars.

RESULTS

Group A: upper third molar avulsion, necessary in 5 cases, was the main reason for prolongation of surgical time. However, in group A, increased bleeding occurred in 3 cases, bone irregularities and bone interferences occurred in 2 cases, neurological injuries occurred in 2 cases, any complications occurred in 8 cases. Group B: the management of the hemorrhage resulting from the vascular injuries, occurred in 7 cases, was the main reason for prolongation of surgical time. However, in group B, bone irregularities and bone interferences occurred in 4 cases, neurological injuries occurred in 3 cases, any complication occurred in 6 cases.

DISCUSSION

In literature is actually discussed the risks related to the presence of lower third molars during mandibular osteotomies.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study is designed to be helpful to the beginner surgeons during them first time approach to this kind of surgery.

KEY WORDS

Retained third molar, Le Fort I osteotomy, Wisdom teeth extraction.