Periodontal Regeneration at the Distal Site of Second Molars After the Extraction of Lower Included Third Molars

From an exclusively periodontal point of view, the extraction of third molars (3M) or wisdom teeth is relatively frequently recommended, either because they show reduced bone support or to avoid periodontal damage to the supporting bone of the adjacent second molar (2M). There are anatomical conditions that make plaque control difficult for the patient, and it is common to find periodontal pockets with significantly increased depths on the distal side of second molars that are or have been closely associated with an impacted third molar.

Among the periodontal considerations regarding impacted third molars, two aspects have traditionally been included: 1)The periodontal damage that certain impactions can cause to the periodontal health of the second molar, and 2) the periodontal sequelae or complications that the extraction of a wisdom tooth may leave on the distal surface of that second molar.

Various therapeutic approaches have been described in the literature to prevent periodontal damage following the surgical intervention involved in the extraction of a fully or partially impacted wisdom tooth. These include scaling of the distal surface of the 2M after extraction, modifications in the surgical technique - such as flap design or suturing method - and various regenerative techniques.

Within this context, the clinical research in which we invite the patients to participate will be developed. We will study the changes in bone levels on the posterior part of the second molar that is in contact with or close to the third molar, as well as the health of the soft tissues, after performing a conventional extraction protocol of the impacted lower third molar. This protocol includes the placement of a regenerative material of porcine origin (test procedure; enamel matrix derivatives) and will be compared to extraction without such material - and therefore without any attempt at periodontal regeneration (standard procedure). The patients will be closely followed up to one year after the surgical performance. This follow-up will be performed clinically and radiographically.