Periodontitis of 2nd molar as a repercussion of impacted lower third molar extraction: a review

Various symptoms may arise after the removal of lower 3rd molar; such as formation of periodontal pocket, periodontal attachment-loss, bone resorption and even mobility of the adjoining molar tooth. Current periodontal conditions, age of the patient, type of the impaction; all of these factors will determine the severity of the defect. Several recent studies give the impression that the surgeon can bring down the risk of periodontal degradation of the distal aspect of second molar through adequate preoperative assessment, reasonable selection of flap design, by proper instrumentation and selecting the correct suture type as well as administering certain mandatory postoperative interventions. The aim of this review article is to highlight the ramifications of extraction of the impacted third molar over the periodontal status of distal aspect of 2nd molar and discuss the methods to minimize it.