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

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 value for predicting a difficult extraction. There was no significant association between the Kharma score and duration of operation, but high-modified Parant scores were significantly associated with longer operations. CONCLUSIONS The proposed Kharma scale was unreliable as preoperative predictor of the L3M extraction difficulty, and both radiological and clinical information must be taken into account.