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VOLUME 2 , ISSUE 2 ( July-December, 2025 ) > List of Articles

REVIEW ARTICLE

Routine Tooth, Complex Judgment: A Narrative Educational Review Exploring Surgical Judgment in Impacted Third Molar Management

Dishantkumar Sonpal, Khalid M Agwani, Ramank Mathur, Sushmit Rajput

Keywords : Inferior alveolar nerve, Molar, third, Oral and maxillofacial surgery, Postoperative complications, Tooth, impacted

Citation Information : Sonpal D, Agwani KM, Mathur R, Rajput S. Routine Tooth, Complex Judgment: A Narrative Educational Review Exploring Surgical Judgment in Impacted Third Molar Management. 2025; 2 (2):45-50.

DOI: 10.5005/jihr-11055-0022

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 30-04-2026

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2025; The Author(s).


Abstract

Background: Impacted third molars are among the most commonly managed conditions in oral and maxillofacial surgery and remain a significant source of patient morbidity. Their management is often complex due to anatomical variability, proximity to vital neurovascular structures, and differences in surgical difficulty. Inadequate assessment or inappropriate surgical technique may lead to complications such as pain, swelling, neurosensory disturbance, and functional limitation, thereby affecting patient quality of life. A clear educational understanding of third molar management is therefore essential for safe clinical practice. Aim: The aim of this educational article is to present a structured and clinically relevant overview of impacted third molar management, emphasizing diagnostic assessment, surgical planning, operative principles, complication prevention, and postoperative care from an oral and maxillofacial surgery perspective. Methodology: This educational review synthesizes relevant literature to highlight anatomy-based judgment, radiographic assessment, surgical planning, timing of intervention, and complication prevention in third molar management. Conclusion: Successful management of impacted third molars depends on an anatomy-based, risk-oriented, and patient-centered approach. Careful case selection, appropriate timing of intervention, meticulous surgical technique, and structured postoperative management play a critical role in minimizing complications and improving clinical outcomes. This educational article is intended to support informed decision-making and enhance surgical proficiency in third molar management.


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