Third Molar: Optional Tooth

Abstract

Maria Concepcion Parrenas

There is always a nagging question, which heightens my curiosity on the appropriate removal of an impacted third molar in this specific situation: What if you have a carious or beyond-repair second molar or second bicuspid? Will you try to heroically upright the mesially and horizontally impacted third molars? How about resorbed second molar or a third molar in close proximity of mandibular inferior alveolar nerve. Uprighting of mesially impacted tilted molars is the recommended treatment and should be done as soon as possible. If not properly corrected, mesially impacted molars may lead to complications such as elongation of opposing teeth, periodontal problems on the mesial side of the affected teeth, caries in the unerupted molars, temporomandibular disorders and poor oral hygiene. Some clinical procedures have been used to upright the third molar. Is it really worth working to leave the third molar be uprighted or have it surgically removed? As most maxillofacial oral surgeons, prefer.

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