Post-operative complications following dental extractions at the School of Dentistry, University of Otago.

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the frequency and correlates associations of post-extraction complications at a dental school.

Design: Retrospective review of patient records.

Setting: Exodontia clinic at the School of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin.

Main outcome measures: Provider characteristics, patient demographic characteristics, patient medical history, teeth extracted and occurrence of postoperative complications.

Results: Of the 598 extractions (540 routine and 58 surgical) which were undertaken in the audit period, 74 (12.4%) resulted in post-operative complications. Dry socket and post-operative pain were the major complications. A higher complication rate was found among patients treated by fourth-year undergraduate students than among those treated by more senior students or staff. Post-operative complications were not significantly associated with patients' ethnicity or medical history.

Conclusion: The rate of postoperative complications at the Univeristy of Otago's Faculty of Dentistry is consistent with reports in existing literature and inversely associated with operators' experience.