Assessing the Management and Evaluation of Impacted Wisdom Teeth in a Dental Teaching Hospital

TL;DR

This study found that most impacted wisdom teeth in a dental hospital were not managed, regardless of difficulty or provider experience, risking complications.

Contribution

The study highlights a gap in the evaluation and management of impacted wisdom teeth in a teaching hospital setting.

Findings

Most impacted wisdom teeth cases were not managed, regardless of extraction difficulty or provider level.

There was no significant association between provider experience and management type or difficulty.

The study emphasizes the need for timely evaluation to prevent complications like nerve damage.

Abstract

Background: Untreated impacted wisdom teeth can lead to complications, including delayed healing and inferior alveolar nerve damage. Delayed management is further complicated by age-related comorbidities. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the management of impacted wisdom teeth in a teaching dental hospital and identify challenges faced by dental care providers. Materials and Methods: A retrospective radiographic study was conducted using data from electronic medical records and panoramic radiographs of patients. Independent variables included demographics and clinical details of wisdom teeth, such as type and presence of impaction, associated pathology, nerve proximity, second molar resorption, and extraction difficulty. The study assessed the evaluation of dental care provider practices in managing impacted wisdom teeth. Chi-square tests analyzed relationships between management type, provider level, and extraction difficulty. Results: Data from 270 panoramic radiographs and dental records were analyzed. Most cases were not managed (n = 216, 80%), irrespective of extraction difficulty or care provider level (undergraduate vs. graduate). There was no significant association between care provider levels and the type of management or between impaction difficulty and management type (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The findings highlight a lack of proper evaluation and management of impacted wisdom teeth, regardless of the provider’s experience. In hospital settings, all care providers should ensure the timely evaluation and management of impacted wisdom teeth to prevent complications.