Clinical outcome of third molars in adults followed during 18 years

Prevalence of Impacted Teeth: Study of 500 Patients

“…The majority of patients (43%) with single or multiple impacted teeth were within 20 to 28 years old. Ventä I et al reported continues clinical changes of third molar until the age of 32.The prevalence of impaction is reduced as the age increases.This phenomenon is probably due to increased extraction of impacted teeth in older patients (8).In dentistry, the most common surgical intervention is extraction of third molars in patients 20 years and older (9). The need for prophylactic removal of impacted third molar due to incidence of pathologic conditions associated with the impaction remains a controversy (10).…”

“…The need for prophylactic removal of impacted third molar due to incidence of pathologic conditions associated with the impaction remains a controversy (10). Recent literature related to third molars recommend observation of asymptomatic impacted wisdom teeth instead of prophylactic removal as the appropriate treatment, because some impacted third molar erupt after the age of 18, and low incidence of pathology associated with impaction (8). Main importance of this study was to evaluate the frequency of impaction per tooth type: third molars, canines and premolars and incisors.…”

How Predictable Is the Position of Third Molars Over Time?

“…The sample size in the studies ranged from 19 to 1,300, and the follow-up interval ranged from at least 2 to 18 years (Table 2). [5][6][7][8][9] Although all studies reported the number of subjects enrolled, the frequency of change in M3 position was reported at the tooth level without consideration for the possible correlation of impaction between sides or between jaws.…”

“…However, the interpretation of the effect of baseline position or angulation of M3s on position 8 years later is complicated by the extraction of approximately one third of M3s during the interval of the study. Ventä et al 6 Findings based on clinical examination were reported separately for the maxilla and mandible. After 18 years of follow-up, more maxillary M3s (14%) than mandibular M3s (5%) that were initially not visible in the mouth had erupted (the entire occlusal surface is visible, but not necessarily at the OP).…”

Surveillance as a Management Strategy for Retained Third Molars: Is It Desirable?

“…[8][9][10] Depending on the duration of follow-up, up to 63% of retained M3s will be extracted at some future time. [12][13][14][15][16] Active Surveillance as the Recommended Strategy for Managing Retained M3s…”