| Mettes et al. (2005)2727. Mettes TG, Nienhuijs ME, Van der Sanden WJ, Verdonschot EH, Plasschaert AJ. Interventions for treating asymptomatic impacted wisdom teeth in adolescents and adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2005 Apr;18(2):CD003879.
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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)2626. Van der Sanden WJ, Mettes DG, Plasschaert AJ, Grol RP, Mulder J, Verdonschot EH. Effectiveness of clinical practice guideline implementation on lower third molar management in improving clinical decision-making: a randomized controlled trial. Eur J Oral Sci. 2005 Oct;113(5):349-54.
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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)2222. Harradine NW, Pearson MH, Toth B. The effect of extraction of third molars on late lower incisor crowding: a randomized controlled trial.Br J Orthod. 1998 May;25(2):117-22.
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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)2323. Lindqvist B, Thilander B. Extraction of third molars in cases of anticipated crowding in the lower jaw. Am J Orthod. 1982 Feb;81(2):130-9.
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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 |
