Prophylactic Extraction of Third Molars: Evidence-Based Dentistry

• Garrocho-Rangel DDS, PhD, Arturo ; Pozos-Guillén DDS, PhD, Amaury ^[1] ; Noyola-Frías DDS, Miguel Ángel ^[2] ; Martínez-Rider DDS, Ricardo ; González-Rivas DDS, Brisa ^[3]
  1. [1] Professor Pediatric Dentistry Postgraduate Program Faculty of Dentistry University of San Luis Potosi San Luis Potosí SLP México
  2. [2] Professor Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department Faculty of Dentistry University of San Luis Potosi San Luis Potosí SLP México
  3. [3] Resident. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Postgraduate Program Faculty of Dentistry University of San Luis Potosi San Luis Potosí SLP México

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• Localización: Odovtos: International Journal of Dental Sciences, ISSN-e 2215-3411, ISSN 1659-1046, Vol. 19, Nº. 3, 2017 (Ejemplar dedicado a: (September-December) Odovtos - International Journal of Dental Sciences), págs. 10-15
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • This new perspective article was performed to investigate the evidence from published dental literature about the prophylactic extraction of asymptomatic (or disease-free) impacted third molars (ITM) in adolescents and young adults. This clinical procedure is common until today and has been the origin of controversy among the dental community worldwide. However, evidence-based data from well-conducted clinical studies and systematic reviews are not sufficient to justify the routine prophylactic extraction of ITM. Active surveillance at regular intervals has been proposed as a better management strategy. As a conclusion, surgical removal of ITM is only justified in the presence of specific pathosis, independently of the patient’s age.