HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

J Am Dent Assoc, Vol 134, No 4, 450-455. © 2003 American Dental Association

This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by SILVESTRI, A. R. Articles by SINGH, I. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by SILVESTRI, A. R., JR. Articles by SINGH, I. Related Collections Endodontics

Would people be better off without it?

Background. Third molars are teeth that have little functional value and a relatively high rate of associated pain and disease. Their value as part of the dentition of modern people is dubious.

Types of Studies Reviewed. The authors review the evolution, development, morbidity and treatment of third molars. They assess the value of third molars in the 21st century and describe the risks these teeth pose when they develop in the dentition.

Conclusions. There is a mandate for the dental profession to improve health outcomes and quality of life. The prevention of third molar–related morbidity should be included in dental research efforts. The authors suggest that novel preventive methodologies be developed to alleviate the problems third molars pose. One potential methodology suggested is intentional therapeutic agenesis of this tooth.

Clinical Implications. Prevention of third molar development early in life, even before tooth bud initiation, could dramatically improve health care outcomes for millions of people.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				T. V. Pereira, F. M. Salzano, A. Mostowska, W. H. Trzeciak, A. Ruiz-Linares, J. A. B. Chies, C. Saavedra, C. Nagamachi, A. M. Hurtado, K. Hill, et al. Natural selection and molecular evolution in primate PAX9 gene, a major determinant of tooth development PNAS, April 11, 2006; 103(15): 5676 - 5681. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A. R. SILVESTRI JR., R. J. CONNOLLY, and M. T. HIGGINS Selectively preventing development of third molars in rats using electrosurgical energy J Am Dent Assoc, October 1, 2004; 135(10): 1397 - 1405. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]