Removal of third molars in Scottish oral and maxillofacial surgery units: a review of practice in 1995 and 2002.

We audited the practice of removal of third molars in Scottish oral and maxillofacial (OMFS) units in 1995 and in 2002. We collected data from anonymous structured postal questionnaires from 12 Scottish OMFS units about patients referred for removal of third molars in 1995 and 11 units in 2002. The percentage of patients who had no treatment increased from 11% in 1995 (102/928) to 16% in 2002 (66/412). The incidence of prophylactic removal of third molars decreased between the two periods. Removal of third molars under local anaesthesia with or without sedation increased from 35% (325/928) in 1995 to 54% (223/412) in 2002. Removal of third molars under general anaesthesia decreased from 54% in 1995 to 30% in 2002.