Evaluation of Kharma scale as a predictor of lower third molar extraction difficulty

2017

Background The Evaluation of the degree of lower third molar (L3M) extraction difficulty is extremely important for both clinicians and patients. This study aimed to evaluate the validity of a new index (Kharma scale) as a preoperative predictor index of the difficulty of surgical removal of impacted L3M. Material and Methods Extraction difficulty of a series of 49-impacted L3M was predicted preoperatively by Kharma scale, and postoperative difficulty was assessed with a modified Parant scale. Results The sensitivity of Kharma scale, as a predictor of difficulty, was 18.2% and the specificity was 68.4%. Likelihood ratios for the Kharma categories also indicated that the scale is of little v…