Prevalence of Post‐Operative Infections Related to Third Molar Surgery at an Australian University Teaching Clinic: A 5‐Year Retrospective Study

ABSTRACT Aim To assess the prevalence of post‐operative infection related to surgical third molar extractions at a university teaching hospital. The secondary outcome was to investigate risk factors relating to post‐operative infections, including the use of prophylactic antibiotics. Materials and Methods Case records of surgical third molar extractions conducted at Griffith University Dental Clinic (GUDC) between 2018 and 2022 obtained from patient management software (Titanium) were evaluated retrospectively. The extracted data was categorised according to the level of training of the oral health professional (undergraduate dental students, postgraduate students in oral surgery, general dentists and specialist oral surgeons). The data was then analysed using IBM SPSS Statistical analysis software. Common risk factors for post‐operative infections were considered, such as the medical status of the patient, smoking, illicit drug use, the experience level of the operators, degree of impaction and the use of prophylactic antibiotics. Descriptive statistics and chi‐squared tests were performed, with significance set at < 0.05. Results A total of 1551 patients underwent surgical third molar extractions over the 5‐year study period. As per the search criteria, 130 patients experienced a post‐operative infection complication. The 130 potential cases of post‐operative infection were identified using a keyword search on Titanium Dental Management Software. A subsequent manual review of patient records confirmed 16 cases of post‐operative infections based on the selected diagnostic criteria. The overall prevalence rate of post‐operative infections was 1.03% over 5 years. The prevalence of antibiotics use for patients was 2.97%. Patient demographics and the experience level of the operator showed noticeable associations with prevalence rates. However, the other factors such as smoking, illicit drug use, degree of tooth impaction and the use of prophylactic antibiotics showed no significant correlation with the prevalence of post‐operative infection. Conclusion A post‐operative infection rate of 1.03% was identified in the current setting. Given the relatively low rates of post‐operative infection, this study does not support the use of prophylactic antibiotics for this procedure. The study also highlights the inconsistencies in the definition of post‐operative infections across literature. Hence, a general consensus on the diagnostic criteria is recommended for greater reliability in future studies.