Updated 2020 guidelines for lower third molar management gives fresh approach to patient care
23 April 2021 (Last updated: 4 May 2021 06:17)
An expert working group has updated the 20-year-old National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for lower third molar surgery to give them a fresh approach to patient care, explaining that retaining third molars can often have a detrimental impact on patients.
The Royal College of Surgeons of England Faculty of Dental Surgery Working Group updated the guidelines for lower third molar surgery, which were originally published in 1999. Geoff Chiu represented the British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons BAOMS) on the group.
Parameters of care for patients undergoing mandibular third molar surgery (see below for link to guidelines) has recently been published by the Faculty of Dental Surgery Clinical Standards Committee (Royal College of Surgeons of England).
Geoff Chiu says: “Over these 20 years we have been able to see the effects that NICE guidelines have had on the oral health of patients in the UK. The new guidelines take into account all the developments since the NICE guidelines were published. This includes management of ‘high risk’ third molars, the current status of patient’s social wellbeing and their involvement in the decision-making.”
Since 1999 there have been developments, advancements and research in: technology (Cone beam CT scans); pharmacology (steroids and local anaesthetics); and outcomes in supreme court judgements (Lanarkshire vs Montgomery) all of which have changed the management of third molars.
The East Lancashire and Bolton NHS Trusts-based OMFS Geoff Chiu says that retaining third molars in some patients has had a detrimental impact: “This has led to patients developing latent caries or periodontal disease, which can often result in the loss of both the third and second molars.”
He is also concerned that many studies have shown the removal of third molars in older age can cause surgical morbidity that increases with age.
“The updated guidelines provide a fresh approach to the comprehensive management of third molars,” Geoff Chiu concluded.
Ends
For further information and interviews contact: Siân Evans on 020 8674 8921 / 07752 414 433 / or BAOMS
Notes to editors
- The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (BAOMS) promotes the advancement of education, research and the development of oral and maxillofacial Surgery in Great Britain, and encourages and assists postgraduate education, study and research.
- Parameters of care for patients undergoing mandibular third molar surgery was published by the Royal College of Surgeons of England Faculty of Dental Surgery The Executive Statement provides a summary of the recommendations made.
- Lanarkshire vs Montgomery
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