The Australian experience without formal guidelines: the projected cost impact of hospitalisations for surgical removal of impacted teeth through to 2020

Abstract

In Britain there was a reduction in hospitalisations for removal of impacted teeth (in particular third molars) following the introduction of evidence-based guidelines. However, the guideline approach has not been as successful in other countries, even those with a significant historical connection. In Australia, hospitalisation (ie to undergo treatment under general anaesthesia) for the removal of impacted teeth constitutes about two thirds of all oral health-related conditions requiring treatment under general anaesthesia.