Expert consensus on the management of third molar health

Abstract

The third molar is the most developmentally delayed of the permanent teeth and has the highest incidence of pericoronitis and odontogenic space infections. Impacted third molars significantly increase the risk of periodontitis, dental caries, and external root resorption of adjacent second molars. Third molars are associated with complex surgical procedures, and treatment decisions and clinical management of third molars in this context remain controversial. This expert consensus was generated by oral surgeons and related specialists, who synthesized the current evidence-based literature and contemporary clinical practices. This consensus addresses critical considerations: the developmental trajectory and impaction characteristics of third molars, clinical and radiographic examinations of third molars, classification of impacted third molars, adverse effects of impacted third molars on oral health, indications for extraction, preoperative preparation for impacted third molar removal, anesthetic choices for impacted third molar surgery, recommended surgical protocol for impacted third molar removal, application of implant materials in alveolar sockets, management of common severe complications in impacted third molar extraction, and functional utilization of impacted third molars. Based on a comprehensive expert deliberation, this consensus provides evidence-based clinical guidance and standardized protocols for dental practitioners in the context of third molar management and therapeutic decision-making.

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Funding

Hu Bei Association of Higher Education, Society Community Construction Project (Teaching Application of AI-Assisted 3D CBCT Reconstruction Combined with PVC Resin-Based Dental Model Reconstruction in "Root Removal First" strategy for Impacted Third Molar Extraction, 2024XD218)

Capital's Funds for Health Improvement and Research (2024-2-2142); Beijing Hospitals Authority Clinical medicine Development of special funding support (YGLX202535)

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

The Author(s)