Caracterización simétrica bilateral del tercer molar inferior y morbilidad postoperatoria en la clínica UCSG B-2025.

Abstract

Objective: To characterize the bilateral symmetry of the mandibular third molar in relation to its position, angulation, and surgical complexity, as well as the associated postoperative morbidity, in patients treated at the UCSG Dental Clinic during the period B-2025. Materials and methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional, observational analytical study was conducted. The sample consisted of 43 patients over 18 years of age, ASA I, who underwent bilateral mandibular third molar extractions. Position was assessed using the Pell and Gregory classification, angulation with the Winter classification, and surgical complexity with the Pedersen scale. Postoperative morbidity was assessed at 24 hours using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain and a clinical scale for inflammation. Chi-square, Fisher-Freeman-Halton, and Mann-Whitney U tests were applied (p < 0.05). Results: Pell and Gregory Class I (55.8%) and Class II (41.9%) were the most frequent, with no significant difference between 3.8 and 4.8 (p=0.342). In the Winter classification, vertical (44.2%) and mesioangular (41.9%) positions predominated (p=0.093). Surgical complexity was mainly moderate (53.5%) and slightly difficult (46.5%) (p=0.565). At 24 hours, mild pain was the most frequent (88.4%), and grade 0 (51.2%) and grade 1 (37.2%) swelling predominated, with no significant association with the operated side (p≥0.05). Conclusion: No significant bilateral differences were found in the position, angulation, surgical complexity, or postoperative morbidity among the mandibular third molars evaluated.