ABSTRACT
Minor oral surgical procedures can be an unpleasant experience if not planned and carried out over an appropriate time period. Prolonged mouth opening for more than 30 minutes can be tiring for patients. Predictable planning is required to maximise patient cooperation for a successful procedure. Level of impaction can be assessed by drawing lines at different levels on a radiograph, ideally an orthopantomogram (OPT). The position of the ascending ramus should be considered in relation to the mesio-distal width of the impacted tooth. Bone removal is undertaken using a rose head bur with a high-speed electrical handpiece of minimum 35000–40000 rpm, with a saline coolant. Surgical access depends on palatal or buccal inclination of the tooth. Flaps must provide an adequate access to visualise the impacted tooth and its surrounding bone and protect the soft tissue from being traumatised or excessively stretched.
