Determination of the degree of difficulty of third molar extraction in patients seen in the Dr. René Puig Bentz dental clinic´s diagnostic area according to the Cáceres index.
Description
Third molar extractions are the most common procedure in which retention of these teeth can be observed due to various factors, including embryological, anatomical and functional factors. This study aimed to determine the difficulty level of third molar extractions in patients attending the Dr. René Puig Benz dental clinic, as measured by the Cáceres index. This observational, cross-sectional, retrospective study will examine 256 panoramic radiographs selected from 759. The following parameters were evaluated: mandibular height; distal angle of the second molar; follicular size; root shape and development; molar position; bone covering; and space between the second molar and the ascending branch. Each variable was scored and evaluated according to Cáceres index criteria, classifying the cases as minimal, moderate, difficult or very difficult. The results revealed the following mandibular height: 35 mm to 39 mm (79.9%), angle towards distal of the second molar: 1° to 59° (66.9%), follicular size: 0 mm (65.7%), space from distal of the second molar to the ascending branch: larger mesiodistal diameter of the wisdom tooth (58. 2%), a vertical position (47.8%), a shape and root development of more than two-thirds and favourable curvature (56.4%), and bone coverage (66.7%).The most frequent degree of difficulty was 'minimal' (54.8%), followed by 'moderate' (49.1%), 'difficult' (24.1%) and the least frequent 'very difficult' (13.6%). The study concludes that the Caceres Index is a useful tool for predicting the difficulty of lower third molar exodontia surgery, enabling cases to be planned and assigned accurately according to the operator's level of experience. These findings support the implementation of the index in academic clinical settings to improve the safety and effectiveness of surgical treatment.
Files
Steps to reproduce
For data collection, digital radiographic records were evaluated, in which the anatomical parameters described in the Cáceres index were observed and the degree of difficulty of the cases in each panoramic radiograph was classified. Direct contact with patients was not necessary, as their personal data was handled anonymously, so the request for informed consent will be waived. The data collection instrument was an adaptation of the study by Burgos G and Sotelo S, which was reviewed and approved by the subject matter advisor.
Institutions
- Universidad Nacional Pedro Henriquez Urena