The Influence Of Flap Design On Sequelae And Quality Of Life Following Surgical Removal Of Impacted Mandibular Third Molars: A Split mouth Randomised Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: This study was conducted to assess the influence of flap design on sequelae and quality of life following surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars. Material and methods: Thirty individuals with the age group of 18-45 years who reported to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, D.Y. Patil University School of Dentistry, Navi Mumbai, with bilateral impacted lower third molars were the study subjects; out of which 18 were male and 12 were female. This was a Split-mouth study where the mesioangular impacted Class IIB lower third molars on either side were divided into two groups:  GROUP (A) – Those in which Envelope flap was used. GROUP (B) - Those in which Trapezoidal flap was used. Results: This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of envelope flap and trapezoidal flap in mandibular third molar surgery. Thirty patients with bilateral mesioangular impacted mandibular third molar underwent surgical removal under local anaesthesia. Conclusion: Third Molar (3M) Removal remains a significant workload on an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. Majority of the 3M removal implies proper tissue handling, adequate bone removal, on other factors. Hence, considering this aspect, flap design remains a vital component in the dynamics of lower 3Mremoval.

Keywords: flap design, impaction, third molar.