Thrid molar extractions are very common and difficult procedures in oral surgery. Mandibular wisdom are removed for therapeutic or prophylactic reasons. Aim. The aim of the study was to assess the incidence of complications after surgical extraction of mandibular third molars, such as alveolitis, sensation disorders, lockjaw, abscesses, prolonged bleeding and intensified swelling sustained for over 7 days. Material and methods. Data was obtained from patient records from the Department and Clinic of Oral Surgery, Poznan University of Medical Sciences in 2004–2008. Results. Complications occurred in 51 patients (17,5%) with 291 third molar extraction in the mandible. The most common were alveolitis, sensation disorders and intensified swelling. Postoperative complications were observed more frequently in the women. Conclusions. 1. Early extraction of the third molar in the mandible reduces the risk and extent of the treatment and the procedure is better tolerated by the patient. 2. Extraction of third molars in the mandible in eldery patients undergoing periodic clinical and radiological examination should only be carried out when absolutely necessary. 3. Postoperative complications in women are generally more often reported.

Key words: third, molar, mandible, postoperative complications.