SILVA, Luiz Carlos Ferreira da; SANTOS, Thiago de Santana; OLIVEIRA, Lycia Gardenia dos Santos    SANTOS, Jadson Alípio Santana de Sousa. Relationship between third molar and mandibular anterior crowding: a present-day review. IJD, Int. j. dent. []. 2010, 9, 3, pp. 148-154. ISSN 1806-146X.

There is considerable discussion about whether or not the extraction of third molars and there are many controversies about the real accuracy of this procedure. The oral health professionals are faced with often in clinical cases of mandibular dental crowding. Many of these cases occur during or after the eruption of third molars. This association has been the subject of many studies. The prophylactic removal of these teeth has been practiced for many years, but there is no evidence th at actually the third molars are responsible for this situation. The crowding of the lower jaw has a multifactorial basis and is due to a combination of factors, to varying degrees, acting together, such as: late mandibular growth, skeletal structures and pattern of growth, maturation of the soft tissue forces periodontal tooth structure, occlusal factors and changes in the periodontal ligament. Thus, the purpose of this article was to review the literature in search of background on the relationship of these factors, in order to suggest an appropriate clinical evaluation to dentists to resolve the impasse. Therefore, it has been observed that isn't possible to asspciate the eruption and / or impaction of third molars with the presence of mandibular anterior crowding.

: Molar third; Incisor; Tooth crowding.