Technique to Better Preserve Maxillary Tuberosity After M3M Extraction

Background: Third molar (3M) exodontia is a common procedure in most oral and maxillofacial surgery offices. The most common goal of which is to optimize the health of the second molar (2M). Objective: To assess outcomes of the extraction of the maxillary third molar (M3M) using a novel technique in which access to extract the M3M was achieved using a bony mucoperiosteal flap (BMF) compared to the use of a traditional buccal mucoperiosteal flap with bone removal. Design/Participants: Prospective study including 28 bony impacted upper third molars in 24 patients. Methods: Patients were recruited with Archer classification C/D (below the cervical line or apex of the maxillary second molar [M2M]) M3M impactions. Patients were randomized into the control (C) and experimental (E) groups. Experimental surgical technique entailed a sulcular incision that extended from the mesial-buccal of the M2M to the distal-palatal of the M2M. A vertical release was made from the mesial buccal and distal more...