The distal wedge: comparison of the surgical techniques

Objectives. The surgical approach to the retromolar area can be obtained through different techniques. The aim of this paper is to analyze what has already been proposed by literature for treatment of this area in order to discuss rational and clinical indications. Materials and methods. Osseous surgery is an extremely refined technique in which the clinician has to make scrupulous analysis that have to be associated to the specific characteristics of the anatomical areas. A clear example of this is the treatment of periodontal pockets of the distal surfaces of the last molar. A surgical approach with a flap technique is preferred because, thanks to the primary closure of the flaps, the healing is less traumatic and because the surgeon can access the bone in order to correct bone morphology. Results and conclusions. The anatomical characteristics of the retromolar area are the reason for the creation of various surgical techniques that can changed because of the anatomical space available, pocket depth, type of bony defect, presence of the third molar and type of soft tissues. The combination of these parameters will lead to a clinical decision in order to eliminate the periodontal pocket.