Periodontal evaluation of two mucoperiosteal flaps used in removing impacted mandibular third molars.

This study compared the results of two types of access flap used in removing impacted mandibular third molars. Fifteen patients were given periodontal examinations consisting of measurements of attachment level, level of the gingival margin, and width of the masticatory mucosa at three locations around the mandibular second molars. The examinations were done preoperatively, and two, six, and 12 weeks after removal of the impacted molars. Analyses of variance indicated that there was no significant difference between the two flap techniques and, therefore, the choice of flap technique is one of operator preference. There was a significant decrease in mean sulcus depth at all measured points for either flap technique, indicating a generally healthier condition around mandibular second molars 12 weeks after the surgical removal of mandibular third molars.