Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Surgical extraction of third molars is a common procedure in oral surgery, especially relevant in orthodontics during early dental development. This process, supported by clinical studies and models, is used to prevent and treat various oral health conditions, including complications associated with abnormal eruption of these molars. The pericoronal sacs, which surround the crown of unerupted teeth, can be a source of complications such as odontogenic cysts. These sacs are difficult to diagnose, justifying the early extraction of unerupted teeth to prevent long-term issues and to histopathologically evaluate potential alterations. In orthodontics, third molar extraction is indicated to treat crowding, create space for molar distalization, correct impaction of second molars, and in some cases, as part of comprehensive orthognathic surgery. Crowding is just one of the potential complications arising from third molars, which can also lead to pathologies such as pericoronitis, cavities, and the formation of odontogenic cysts or tumors. In this context, germectomy is considered a preventive strategy to avoid future problems. A literature search was conducted focusing on studies related to the terms "third molars", "germectomy", "preventive exodontia" and "pericoronal sac." Full-text studies, both quantitative and qualitative, in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, were included. The search was carried out in databases such as PubMed, SciELO, Google Scholar, and LILACS
DOI: 10.56294/hl2024.253
Authors: Camila Belén Bustos, María Isabel Brusca, María Laura Garzón, Atilio Vela Ferreira
Institution: Universidad Abierta Interamericana
Language: English
Subfield: Oral Surgery
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4406493699