Is the recommendation for the enucleation or the extraction of 3^rd molars in subjects during or at the end of dento-facial orthopedic treatment always justified? The viewpoint of a practitioner after 40 years of orthodontic practice

Address for correspondence: Jean-Michel Salagnac – Service de stomatology et chirurgie-maxillo-faciale (Pr Mercier Jacques) – CHU Nantes – 44300 Nantes. jean-michel.a.salagnac@wanadoo.fr

Abstract

Orthodontists frequently prescribe prophylactic enucleation of the lower third molars. These teeth are mostly totally asymptomatic. This practice is being recommended more and more frequently, even though published studies are more reserved in this respect. Orthodontists have to reconsider their recommendations for prophylactic enucleation of the lower third molars, but they have to make sure whether or not these teeth will erupt into their correct positions in the arch.