Incidence and clinical features of delayed-onset infections after extraction of lower third molars

Abstract

Objective: To describe the incidence and clinical features of delayed-onset wound infections after lower third molar extractions in an outpatient clinic.

Study design: Retrospective forward study of 958 lower third molar extractions in the Oral Surgery and Implantology Department of the School of Dentistry of the University of Barcelona (Spain).

Results: Fourteen delayed-onset wound infections were recorded after suture removal (1.5% of the extractions). These infections usually developed 3-5 weeks after extraction. Half of the cases presented a radiolucency around the crown of the third molar. In most cases, ostectomy (13/14) and tooth sectioning (11/14) had been made.

Conclusions: Delayed infections were a rare postoperative complication of lower third molars extractions. Nevertheless, patients should be warned that infection can still occur several weeks after the surgical procedure.