Abstract: PURPOSE: To discuss the complications, preventive measures and solutions during and after the extraction of completely impacted maxillary third molars. METHODS: Three hundred and seventy-six completely impacted maxillary third molars were determined by clinical examinations and pantomographies. Flap operations were done priorly by ordinary and modified Ward cut, then the teeth crowns were split by traditional chisel technique and high-speed air-turbine drill. Routines of oral anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and drugs to resolve swelling were given postoperatively, then number of complications were calculated in three different age groups of 12-25,26-40 and over 40 years old. The data were analyzed with SPSS 13.0 software package. RESULTS: During and after the extraction of completely impacted maxillary third molars among age groups of 12-25,26-40 and over 40 years old, there was no significant difference in complications such as soft tissue injuries, postoperative bleeding, facial swelling, aching, restrictions of mouth opening (P>0.05). However, there was significant difference in complications such as adjacent teeth injuries, lingual bone plate fracture, temporomandibular joint pain, alveolar osteitis, paresthesia of tongue and lower lip(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Complications like adjacent teeth injuries, lingual bone plate fracture, temporomandibular joint pain, alveolar osteitis, paresthesia of tongue and lower lip were interrelated to operators' technical levels and patients' ages, early extractions could help prevent and reduce the occurrence of complications.

Key words: Completely impacted maxillary third molars, Exodontias, Complications, Age groups