Retained upper third molars during Le Fort I osteotomy with downfracture

AIM: The aim of our study is to demonstrate that the presence of upper wisdom teeth must be evaluated before and during Le Fort I osteotomy because attention must be focused to the disadvantages or facilitations of surgery depending on molar presence. MATERIALS OF STUDY: Our study has analyzed two groups, each one including 20 patients, 10 males and 10 females, with an age between 16-30 years. The first group was treated with le Fort I osteotomy leaving in situ the wisdom upper third molars. The second group was treated with Le Fort I osteotomy after the extraction of the wisdom upper third molars. RESULTS: Group A: upper third molar avulsion, necessary in 5 cases, was the main reason for prolongation of surgical time. However, in group A, increased bleeding occurred in 3 cases, bone irregularities and bone interferences occurred in 2 cases, neurological injuries occurred in 2 cases, any complications occurred in 8 cases. Group B: the management of the hemorrhage resulting from the vascular injuries, occurred in 7 cases, was the main reason for prolongation of surgical time. However, in group B, bone irregularities and bone interferences occurred in 4 cases, neurological injuries occurred in 3 cases, any complication occurred in 6 cases. DISCUSSION: In literature is actually discussed the risks related to the presence of lower third molars during mandibular osteotomies. CONCLUSIONS: Our study is designed to be helpful to the beginner surgeons during them first time approach to this kind of surgery. KEY WORDS: Retained third molar, Le Fort I osteotomy, Wisdom teeth extraction.