Third molars are the terminal teeth in terms of both position and eruption chronology.
The normal eruption period for wisdom teeth falls between the ages of years.
More often these teeth fail to erupt or only partially erupt and hence over the time have earned the position of vestigial organs. Impacted third molars are commonly encountered conditions in the oral cavity.
When a tooth fails to erupt into its anatomical position within its developmental window, it is considered impacted.
The oral cavity can function optimally devoid of third molars, and hence the significance of these teeth has diminished over time.
Removal of impacted third molars irrespective of their pathologic status has been in practice for about 25 years now.
► DENTAL BOOK: Extraction of Third Molars - Easy Simple Safe Efficient Minimally Invasive & Atraumatic - 2018
However the associated complications and increased financial expenses have raised the question whether the prophylactic extractions of third molars are justified or not.
On the contrary, concern regarding retaining the asymptomatic impacted third molar still exists as it can increase the risk of pathology to surrounding tissues in due course of time.
Further complications are far more if the tooth is removed at an older age when it becomes symptomatic.
Hence a long-standing debate prevails on whether to retain or remove asymptomatic and impacted third molars.
This review article aims to provide insights on surgical removal of impacted molars, the associated complications during removal and the complications associated with retention.
