Oral Surgery & Extractions Flashcards

What nerve is specifically at risk during elevation of a lower third molar with a lingual approach?

Answer: Lingual nerve

The lingual nerve runs close to the lingual plate in the third molar region and is at significant risk of damage during lingual retraction or bone removal on the lingual side.

Following removal of a cystic lesion from the jaw, what is the mandatory next step?

Answer: Submit specimen for histopathological examination

All surgically removed tissue from the jaw must be sent for histopathological analysis to confirm diagnosis and exclude malignancy, regardless of apparent clinical diagnosis.

What is the mechanism of action of tranexamic acid used as a haemostatic adjunct in dental surgery?

Answer: Inhibits fibrinolysis by blocking plasminogen activation

Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic agent that prevents breakdown of the clot by blocking the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, stabilising clot formation.

Which condition is an absolute contraindication to dental extraction in general dental practice?

Answer: Acute haemophilia without factor replacement cover

Haemophilia without appropriate factor replacement is an absolute contraindication to extraction in general practice; hospital-based management with haematology liaison is required.

What is the recommended management of a fractured upper tuberosity during maxillary molar extraction?

Answer: Stop, stabilise the fragment with sutures, allow healing for 6–8 weeks before re-attempt

If the tuberosity fractures with the molar, the procedure should be halted, the fragment splinted with sutures, and re-attempted 6–8 weeks later after bone healing.

What scoring system is used to assess the difficulty of lower third molar surgery in the UK?

Answer: WHARFE index or Parant classification

The WHARFE index and Parant classification are both used in the UK to assess lower third molar difficulty, accounting for angulation, depth, root morphology, and access.