Indications for third molar removal in Jordan

Abstract EN

Objectives : To assess the indications considered for the removal of the third molar in Jordan, and to compare our results with the international findings.

Methods: The representative sample of the study comprised (608) Jordanian patients who were referred to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit at King Hussein Medical Center and Queen Alia Military Hospital, with complaints of third molar problems.

The indications for removal were classified into eight groups.

Results : The indications for removal were classified as pericoronitis in 33.5 %, pain in 29.4 %, prophylactic removal in 24.2 %, orthodontic considerations in 7.2 %, prosthodontic reasons 2.1 %, pathological conditions such as cysts, root resorption, and tumors were recorded in 1.8 %, 1.1 %, 0.7 %, respectively.

Conclusion: The results of our study showed that the major reason for third molar removal was pericoronitis and pain (63 %), followed by prophylactic measures in 24 %, and other causes accounted for 13 %.