Types, frequencies, and risk factors for complications after third molar extraction.

OBJECTIVES The study objective was to identify the types, frequency, and risk factors for complications after third molar (M3) extractions. STUDY DESIGN This retrospective cohort study consisted of patients who had 1 or more M3s removed between 1996 and 2001. Risk factors were grouped into demographic, general health, anatomic, and operative. Outcome variables were operative or inflammatory complications. Data were analyzed using descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate statistics. RESULTS The study sample was composed of 583 patients (57.0% male) with a mean age of 26.4 +/- 8.4 years. The overall complication rate was 4.6%. Increasing age, a positive medical history, and the position of the M3 relative to the inferior alveolar nerve were associated with an increased risk for complications. CONCLUSION While age, medical history, and M3 anatomy cannot be altered directly, these factors may be modified indirectly, resulting in a potential decrease for postoperative complications.