COMPLICATIONS AND CONTEMPORARY APPROACHES IN THE EXTRACTION OF IMPACTED THIRD MOLARS: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

The extraction of impacted third molars is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures in dentistry and remains widely discussed because of the complications associated both with the retention of the tooth and with the surgical procedure itself. This study aimed to analyze the complications and contemporary management strategies related to the extraction of impacted third molars, including clinical protocols and surgical techniques. This is an integrative literature review with a qualitative approach, guided by the PRISMA steps. The search was carried out in Google Scholar, SciELO, Research, Society and Development, RevistaFT, Brazilian Journal of Implantology and Health Sciences and in digital academic repositories, including articles published in Portuguese between 2017 and 2026, using the descriptors impacted third molars, tooth extraction, surgical complications, paresthesia, alveolitis, piezosurgery and coronectomy. Twenty-one studies were identified, of which eight composed the final sample. The results showed that edema, trismus, alveolitis, hemorrhage and paresthesia are the most frequent complications. Coronectomy, piezosurgery and platelet-rich fibrin showed promising results in reducing postoperative morbidity and preserving adjacent anatomical structures. It is concluded that careful surgical planning, combined with individualized treatment and continuous professional updating, is decisive for the safety and predictability of the procedure.