Abstract

GARROCHO-RANGEL, Arturo et al. Prophylactic Extraction of Third Molars: Evidence-Based Dentistry. Odovtos [online]. 2017, vol.19, n.3, pp.10-15. ISSN 2215-3411.  http://dx.doi.org/10.15517/ijds.v0i0.29101.

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 wellconducted 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.

Keywords : Prophylactic removal; Impacted third molars.

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