Incidence of root canal treatment of second molars following adjacent impacted third molar extraction.

Background/purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of requirement for root canal treatment of adjacent second molars following the surgical extraction of an impacted third molar.
Materials and Methods: The dental records of 6323 consecutive patients who had impacted third molars removed surgically were evaluated and the incidence of postoperative root canal treatment requirement of adjacent second molars was determined. Patients who required root canal treatment of neighboring second molars were accepted as the study group, while the remaining patients were accepted as a control group. Sex, age at the time of the operation, localization of third molar, the depth of impaction, angulation of the tooth, and the professional experience of the surgeon performing the operation were evaluated from patient records.
Results: The incidence of requirement of root canal treatment for second molars following a neighboring impacted third molar extraction was 0.17% (11/6323) and invariably occurred in the mandible. The mean age of the study group was found to be significantly higher than the control group (31 years vs. 23 years). The years of professional experience of the surgeons was significantly lower in the study group than in the control group.
Conclusion: Although the incidence is minimal, iatrogenic subluxation injuries occurring during the surgical removal of impacted third molars can lead to pulpal complications and a requirement for root canal treatment of adjacent second molars.