Reasons for Extraction of Impacted Third Molars

Extraction of impacted third molars is one of the most performed surgical interventions in the oral surgery departments. Although the indications for removal of impacted third molars are well described, prophylactic removal of these teeth are still a common practice among the clinicians and a topic widely discussed. The percentage of third molars extracted for prophylactic reasons where there is not a justifiable clinical reason varies between %18 and %50. The defenders of the prophylactic removal approach argue that the removal of these non-functional teeth decreases the possibility of pathological changes in the future and incidence of mandibular fractures. Those opposing this approach advocate that the patients unnecessarily suffer an surgical trauma and it’s related complications; post-operative pain and expenditure.