CONSIDERATIONS FOR PROPHYLACTIC ORTHODONTIC GERMECTOMY TO PREVENT COMPLICATIONS FROM RETAINED THIRD MOLARS

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of prophylactic germectomy for the development of malocclusions caused by improper dentition. Additionally, the study will compare the risk of complications associated with germectomy to those encountered during the removal of completely formed third molars. Methods: Out of 300 patients examined using the Turley method, 36 individuals were indicated for germectomy. Group A consisted of 16 patients aged 9 to 12 years, who had a total of 28 teeth removed. Group B included 20 patients aged 13 to 17 years, with 46 teeth removed. The control group, Group C, consisted of 32 individuals aged 18 years and older. These participants had 54 completely formed teeth removed, with the extractions occurring at a depth classified as Grade III according to the Pell and Gregory classification. This classification indicates that the teeth were entirely below the bone level. Additionally, Groups A and B were analyzed using the Gaivoronsky method. A comparative assessment of germectomy was conducted between the two age groups (A and B) and the control group (C), which involved already impacted teeth. Results: In group A, 28 tooth extractions were performed, and only one complication was observed, among the possible risks of secondary infection, bleeding, trismus, alveolar nerve paresthesia, or alveolitis. In group B, 46 extractions were carried out, resulting in two complications. Meanwhile, the control group C had 54 extractions with seven complications recorded. Conclusion: Germectomy is recommended during early adolescence if an improperly erupting or abnormally positioned rudimentary third molar is detected in the upper or lower jaw through X-ray examination, following measurements using the Turley and Gaivoronsky method. These teeth can damage adjacent teeth and may contribute to dental problems. Keywords: Wisdom teeth, impacted teeth, tooth extraction, germectomy, Turley's method, Gaivoronsky's method.