Lingual split bone technique – Revisited as a standard operating procedure for surgical removal of third molar during COVID pandemic

Objectives: The objective of the study is to revisit the forgotten art of Lingual split bone technique during the COVID pandemic as a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars. It was originally introduced in early 90’s by Sir William Kelsey Fry and also we have compared its advantages over the bone guttering technique. Materials and Methods: Twenty seven cases were operated during COVID pandemic in our institution using Davi’s modified lingual split technique under strict COVID protocol. Results: All impacted mandibular third molars were successfully removed. With regards to post-operative complication; 3 patients had nerve injury (11%), 2 patients had lingual paraesthesia (7.6%), 1 patient had alveolar osteitis (3.8%), 2 patients had postoperative infection (7.6%), 3 patients had trismus (19%). The overall success rate was 100%. Also the results of a comparison between bone guttering and chisel-mallet technique were stated. Conclusion: The use of lingual split bone technique deserves consideration during this COVID time as an alternate for bone guttering in surgical removal of third molar as it ensures minimal cross infectivity rate among both dentists and patients. Thus, patient care can be delivered with confidence even during pandemic.