COMPLICATIONS OF IMPACTED MANDIBULAR THIRD MOLAR EXTRACTION RELATED TO PATIENT’S AGE

Background: The extraction of impacted mandibular third molars is a common dental procedure, but it is associated with various complications that can be influenced by patient age. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the complications related to the extraction of impacted mandibular third molars and how these complications vary across different age groups. Methods: A total of 185 patients were included in the study, categorized into three age groups: Group 1 (18–25 years), Group 2 (26–40 years), and Group 3 (41–65 years). Surgical and postoperative complications, including nerve injury, excessive bleeding, infection, dry socket, and delayed healing, were recorded. Recovery time was also measured in days for each group. Results: The study found that older patients (Group 3) experienced significantly higher rates of surgical complications, including nerve injury (12.7%) and excessive bleeding (10.9%), compared to younger groups. Postoperative complications such as infection (18.2%) and dry socket (16.4%) were more prevalent in older patients. Additionally, Group 3 had the longest recovery time (18.7 days), compared to 7.5 days in Group 1 and 12.4 days in Group 2. Statistically significant differences in complication rates and recovery times were observed between the groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: It is concluded that age is a significant factor influencing the incidence of complications and recovery time following impacted mandibular third molar extractions. Older patients are at higher risk for surgical and postoperative complications and require more time for recovery. These findings highlight the need for age-specific surgical planning and postoperative care to optimize outcomes for older patients.