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Introduction
Third molar extraction is one of the most frequent procedures in oral surgery. Ten million teeth are extracted from approximately five million individuals every year in the United States alone, with an annual cost of over US$3 billion. 1 In England and Wales, expenditures on prophylactic extractions between 1995 and 1996 amounted to approximately £5.2 million. 2 The reason for these extractions is the high incidence of impaction, often associated with a number of oral problems, such as pericoronitis, periodontal defects in the distal region of the second molar, caries in the third or second molars, different types of odontogenic cysts and tumors, and crowding of the lower incisors. 3−6
Although a number of studies have been published on third molar extraction, the conflicting results hinder the decision-making process. The controversies are related to inadequate study designs, small sample size, insufficient monitoring time and methodological flaws. 3−28
The aim of the present study was to perform a systematic review of the literature, to discuss consensual aspects and controversies related to third molar extraction, and to answer the following question: Is there evidence to justify the prophylactic extraction of third molars?
Methodology
Search strategy
A series of searches was performed for texts published up to August 30, 2012, with no restrictions regarding language, age, gender or date of publication. The following key words were used:
“asymptomatic impacted third molar,”
“pericoronitis,”
“periodontal problems, third molar,”
“complication asymptomatic third molar,”
“impacted third molar complications,”
“third molar, surgery, causes,” and
“extraction of third molars, crowding lower jaw.”
The following databases were searched:
Latin American and Caribbean Center on Health Sciences Information - BIREME ( www.bireme.br ): Lilacs (Literature in Health Sciences published in Latin America and the Caribbean since 1982), Medline via OVID (International Medical and Biomedical Literature, compiled since 1965), and EMBASE via OVID.
Web of Science ( www.thomsonisi.com ): database of sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities;
Cochrane Library: access to databases on systematic reviews of controlled studies of the Cochrane Collaboration, evaluation of health technologies, Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); BBO (Brazilian Bibliography of Dentistry).
A series of manual searches was also performed, based on the lists of references of the articles retrieved from the different databases. Data were collected on author, year of publication, study design, study groups, methods/measures and results. A quality assessment of preestablished characteristics was performed, to document the methodological strength of each paper. 11,12 The eight variables investigated in the quality assessment are listed in Table 1.
Table 1 Scores used for quality analysis of papers selected.
| Adequate study design | Randomized clinical trial, prospective study, controlled clinical trial, longitudinal study: 3 points; Clinical trial: 1 point |
|---|---|
| Adequate sample size | 1 point |
| Adequate description of selection process | 1 point |
| Valid measurement methods | 1 point |
| Use of method of error analysis | 1 point |
| Blinded measurement evaluation | 1 point |
| Valid statistical methods | 1 point |
| Confounding factors included in analysis | 1 point |
Sample size was considered adequate when the sample size calculation was presented. Measurement methods were considered valid when a measurement error test was presented. Each study was classified based on the scores attributed:
Data extraction and the quality assessment of each paper were performed independently by two researchers, who selected papers based on a reading of the title and the abstract. All papers that appeared to meet the eligibility criteria were selected. A high level of agreement between the researchers was found in this step. A manual search of the reference lists from the selected papers was also performed to obtain additional relevant publications that might have been missed in the database searches.
Selection criteria
Only randomized controlled clinical trials and systematic reviews addressing the main indications, the effect of prophylactic third molar extraction and the non-intervention (maintenance) of asymptomatic impacted third molars were selected for the present review (Table 2).
Results
The search strategy yielded 260 papers. Four studies qualified for the final analysis (Table 3), following a selection based on the preestablished eligibility criteria. The complete texts of these papers were obtained for analysis.
Table 3 Studies selected.
| Author | Study groups | Sample | Age | Measurement method | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mettes et al. (2005) 27 | Systematic review assessing the effect of prophylactic extraction of third molars in adolescents and adults, in comparison to non-intervention | – | – | Searches in Medline and Cochrane through August 4, 2004; randomized or controlled clinical trials were selected | No evidence was found to support or refute the routine prophylactic extraction of asymptomatic impacted third molars |
| Van der Sanden et al. (2005) 26 | Dental students who received a clinical practice guide for the management of asymptomatic third molars | 36 impacted lower third molars; 102 students participated in the study (51 in each group—test and control); randomized selection | Three age groups: 19–25, 26–40 and 41–60 years | The intervention and control groups received a questionnaire, and the data were submitted to analysis of co-variance and the chi-square test | The use of a clinical practice guide for the management of asymptomatic third molars is effective and enhances the decision-making process for dental surgeons |
| Harradine et al. (1998) 22 | Randomized allocation of post-treatment orthodontic patients submitted to extraction of lower third molars to monitor the effect of the extractions on crowding of the lower incisors | Total of 164 (90 women and 74 men) | 14 years and 10 months for participation in the study, with 66 months of follow-up | Patients were allocated based on a list, and were contacted after 5 years. Models were constructed, measurements were made and data were submitted to the Minitab program and GLIM statistical software | No significant differences in lower incisor crowding were found between patients from whom third molars were extracted and those on whom no intervention was performed; thus, the prophylactic extraction of third molars is not justified |
| Lindqvist and Thilander (1982) 23 | Randomized allocation of patients submitted to extraction of third molars removed on one side and maintained on the other side (control); after three years, radiographs were taken and study models were made | 23 boys and 29 girls with impacted third molars on both sides of the mandible | 15.5 years; range: 13 to 19 years | Radiographs and study models | No conclusions were made regarding which patients should undergo the anticipated extraction of third molars to prevent late crowding; however, in cases of severe crowding, third molar extraction may be indicated |
Quality of the studies
A medium degree of quality and methodological consistency was found in three studies and low quality was found in one study (Table 4). No studies showed a high degree of consistency. The most significant flaw was an inadequate sample size. Other flaws included the failure to declare the blinded assessment of the measurements and confounding factors. Only one paper adequately described the method of error analysis.
Table 4 Quality evaluation of the studies retrieved.
| Articles | Study design | Sample size | Selection description | Valid measurement methods | Method of error analysis | Blinding in measurement | Adequate statistics provided | Confounding factors considered | Quality standard judgement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mettes et al. (2005) 27 | RCT | Inadequate | Adequate | Yes | No | No | No | ND | Low |
| Van der Sanden et al. (2005) 26 | RCT | Inadequate | Adequate | Yes | No | ND | Yes | ND | Medium |
| Harradine et al. (1998) | RCT/P | Inadequate | Adequate | Yes | Yes | ND | Yes | ND | Medium |
| Lindqvist and Thilander (1982) 23 | RCT | Inadequate | Adequate | Yes | No | No | Yes | ND | Medium |
CCT: controlled clinical trial; RCT: randomized clinical trial; CT: clinical trial; L: longitudinal; P: prospective; ND: not declared.
Discussion
None of the studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria established for the present systematic review. This finding demonstrates the scarcity of consistent papers and inadequate scientific evidence that could otherwise allow surgeon dentists to make decisions regarding reliable indications for the prophylactic extraction of third molars and the determination of which cases should be followed up. Meta-analysis and heterogeneity were not performed due to the small number of studies with different methodologies found.
The prophylactic extraction of asymptomatic impacted wisdom teeth is defined as the (surgical) removal of wisdom teeth in the absence of local disease. 28 In this context, critical appraisal of the literature reveals that prophylactic extraction of third molars occurs in a disorderly manner without clearly defined criteria. Approximately 75% of individuals who receive regular dental care have their third molars removed. 4 In addition to the pathological conditions sometimes caused by these teeth, other criteria are used to justify the decision to extract, including indications for orthodontic, prosthetic or restorative purposes. 13,14 Moreover, the risks of surgery and associated complications are justified and uniformly accepted by the majority of dental surgeons, when there is clinical, radiological or laboratorial evidence of acute or chronic periodontitis, caries, pericoronitis, harmful effects on second molars or disease. 15,16
Authors enumerate the main reasons leading to the prophylactic extraction of third molars, but these indications do not have sufficient evidence on which to base such a decision. 3−6 Partially erupted third molars have the greatest likelihood of developing pericoronitis, and are therefore indicated for prophylactic extraction. 9,10 Mohammed-Ali et al. 17 report two cases of osteomyelitis in the mandible, with development secondary to pericoronitis in partially erupted third molars. McArdle and Renton 18 indicate the prophylactic extraction of third molars for the prevention of caries on the distal face of the second molars. According to Allen et al. 19 , it is common to find caries on the distal surface of second molars when third molars are either completely or partially erupted. Should conservative treatment be elected, interproximal radiographs are recommended.
Kan et al. 8 justifies prophylactic extraction in cases of periodontal defects. However, Richardson and Dodson 20 state that the indication for third molar extraction should be evaluated carefully in individuals with a healthy periodontium in the region of the second molar, since this procedure heightens the risk of greater probing depth and attachment loss. The extraction of lower third molars could lead to periodontal defects in the distal region of the adjacent second molar. 21
Harradine et al. 22 conclude that the extraction of third molars to reduce or prevent late crowding of the incisors is not justified, and should therefore not be considered as having a scientific basis. Likewise, Lindqvist and Thilander 23 evaluated adolescents with non-erupted third molars, and could not predict which patients would benefit and which would suffer negative consequences in regard to late crowding following extraction of impacted third molars.
The consequences of extraction for patients should also be analyzed. Song et al. 2 suggest that a “wait-and-see conduct” could be a promising strategy. Jerjes et al. 24 enumerated postoperative complications stemming from third molar extractions performed by residents and specialists; trismus, alveolar osteitis and paresthesia of the lingual and inferior alveolar nerves were reported among extractions performed by residents, and postoperative bleeding was reported among extractions performed by specialists.
Countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom spend large amounts of money on these procedures annually, using funds that could otherwise be spent on other health programs. 1,2 The extraction of asymptomatic impacted third molars that could remain disease-free for an undetermined amount of time places an unnecessary burden on healthcare funds. The assessment of health risks and cost effectiveness regarding the prophylactic extraction of asymptomatic impacted wisdom teeth should play a more prominent role in the decision-making process. 25
Insecurity in making diagnosis and the lack of a protocol for the extraction or non-extraction of third molars are clearly demonstrated. 26 When a clinical practice guide was given to dentists, a drastic reduction in the number of indications for extraction occurred. In other words, when dentists have a greater scientific foundation, they modify how they conduct themselves in the decision-making process from a clinical standpoint. Further studies on this issue are eagerly awaited, insofar as dental surgeons should base their justifications for prophylactic third-molar extractions on scientific evidence and studies that can reliably clarify indications for extraction or non-intervention. 27
The clinical implications of how asymptomatic impacted third molars should be handled were well described by Mettes et al. 27 :
“The dental clinician, who examines healthy individuals in the course of assigning a recall interval, should be responsible for monitoring third molars in recurrent communication with patients and, where there are more complex cases, with the oral and maxillofacial surgeon as a consultant. Special attention should be paid to the onset of pathology, based on explicit terminology and definitions, the monitoring and registration of morbidity and quality of life aspects (i.e. patients' perspective, values and attitudes). Clinicians should make it clear to adult patients with asymptomatic third molars that there is no evidence one way or the other about the benefits or otherwise of removing these molars. The same communication strategy to adolescents and their parents regarding the impact of surgical removal on late lower incisor crowding should be advocated.”
Conclusions
The data encountered in the present systematic review demonstrate the lack of studies on which to base adequate clinical decisions regarding indications for the prophylactic extraction of third molars. The only scientific proof points to the non-indication of prophylactic extraction for the purpose of preventing late crowding of the lower incisors.
