Third Molar Surgery, 5th Edition
Course Overview
This basic-level course will provide a review of the classification of impactions of third molars in relation to their position relative to contiguous anatomical structures such as the second molar, the adjacent bone, and the oral mucosa, as well as the relative surgical difficulty associated with the extraction of impacted wisdom teeth. It will help general dentists consider if they have the surgical and patient management skills necessary to extract an impacted wisdom tooth in an atraumatic fashion while minimizing postsurgical complications such as trauma to the inferior alveolar nerve, the lingual nerve, and the maxillary sinus. This course will also note the debate which concerns the retention versus the extraction of impacted, but asymptomatic wisdom teeth. The course highlights some of the common surgical instruments and techniques employed for the extraction of impacted wisdom teeth.
Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of this course, the learner should be able to:
- Explain the varied clinical presentations of third molars, especially those that are impacted.
- Cite the classification and surgical management of impacted third molars.
- List the risks and complications of third molar extractions.
- Describe the treatment modalities and some of the specific surgical techniques available for third molar surgery.
- Outline established criteria for third molar removal in the U.S. and review the opinions for the retention of impacted but asymptomatic wisdom teeth.
- List the benefits of a preventive strategy in relation to third molars.
About the Author/Presenter
Mark J. Szarejko, DDS, FAGD, received his dental degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1985 and Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry in 1994. He has been in private practice for 16 years, with the balance involved in correctional (county jail) dentistry, from which he retired in 2023. In 2007, he received the Certified Correctional HealthCare Professional (CCHP) designation from the National Commission of Correctional Healthcare. He has authored and edited many dental continuing education courses and has given presentations on varied topics to local, regional, and national audiences. He has been an examiner for the dental and dental hygiene licensure exams for the Northeastern Regional Boards (NERBS), now the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments, since 1994. He has also reviewed standard of care cases for the state of Florida and for private companies.
Audience/Accreditations and Approvals
TRC Healthcare/ NetCE
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by TRC Healthcare/ NetCE. TRC Healthcare/NetCE is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
This course is designed for the following healthcare professions (select your profession for details):
Dental AGD code: 310
If you require special accommodations, please contact Colibri Healthcare Support by clicking here: Contact Us
