Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

The Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (대한구강악안면외과학회)
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Surgical removal of third molars in a young adult: review of indications and surgical techniques

  • Sukkarn Themkumkwun (Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University) ;
  • Supasan Sawatdeenarunat (Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University) ;
  • Pattamawan Manosuthi (Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University)
  • Received : 2022.09.12
  • Accepted : 2022.10.28
  • Published : 2023.08.31
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Abstract

Germectomy is a surgical method most typically performed in young adults. The indications for treatment are controversial. The purpose of this review was to determine the correct indications for germectomy and to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure. We reviewed the surgical techniques (anesthetic methods, patient preparation, and flap designs) and complications. Germectomy for orthodontic purposes is a common indication for surgical removal of tooth germ among young patients. Several studies have supported removal at an earlier age to produce fewer surgical complications. Several surgical techniques have been described in the literature.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

The authors thank the staff and postgraduate students including colleagues and co-workers in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, for their aid and Mr. Bryan Roderick Hamman for his assistance with the English-language presentation of the manuscript.

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