Resumo

PEDROSA, Marlus da Silva et al. Prophylactic removal of unerupted asymptomatic third molars: is it justifiable?. Rev. Bras. Odontol. [online]. 2017, vol.74, n.1, pp. 62-67. ISSN 1984-3747.

Objective: to review the literature currently available on the evidence that does or does not justify the prophylactic extraction of unerupted asymptomatic third molars. Material and Methods: the electronic databases PubMed, Capes Periodicals, Web of Science and Scopus were searched from November to December 2016 by two authors, simultaneously, using as search terms: Terceiro Molar/Molar, Third AND Extração Profilática/Prophylatic Removal OR Prophylatic Extraction. We included articles from original research and clinical trials published in English and Portuguese. No limits were applied to the date of publication. Review articles and clinical case reports were removed. Results: we identified 13 studies that addressed, at some aspect, the prophylactic removal of unerupted asymptomatic third molars. The results of this literature review which alluded to the potential for the formation of pathological alterations in asymptomatic third molars are conflicting; While some justifies the prophylactic procedure based on the possible formation of associated lesions, other scientific evidence does not support such practice. Conclusion: in view of the conflicting viewpoints found in the literature, the prophylactic removal of asymptomatic third molars requires case-by-case evaluation of each patient, and the decision-making process, regarding the retention versus the prophylactic removal of these teeth should be based on scientific evidence combined with the clinical experience of the professional.

Palavras-chave : Oral surgery; Third molar; Unerupted tooth; Disease prevention..