Periodontal assessment of the lower second molar after third molar extraction: clinical and tomographic evaluation

Abstract

 Aim: To investigate the relationship between the presence of 3MI and periodontal health of the 2M. Metodology: The clinical examinationfor periodontal diagnosis in the 2MIs consisted of periodontal probing of the sites mesio- vestibular (MV), vestibular (V), disto-vestibular (DV), disto-lingual (DL), lingual (L), mesio-lingual (ML) plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (SS), probing depth (PS), gingival recession (REC), and clinical attachment level (CAL) before and three months after exo dontia of the 3MI. By tomographic evaluation, long axis inclination of the 3MI and alveolar bone crest height at the six sites of the 2MIs were also assessed. Results: The sample consisted of 36 patients and 47 teeth evaluated. In the preoperative evaluation, it was observed that the distal sites of the 2MIs have a higher chance of developing periodontal pock et, plaque and bleeding, however in the postoperative period all sites de creased the chance of developing periodontal problems (p≤0.05). Males showed greater periodontal impairment (p>0.05). Mesio-angulated and horizontal 3Ms had greater potential for alveolar bone destruction. Conclusion: The presence of 3MIs potentiates the risk of periodontal changes in second molars and the removal of the etiologic factor contributes to the reestablishment of periodontal health of 2MIs.