Third Molars: To Extract or Not to Extract at Selected Centers of Primary Health Care, Saudi Arabia

Background The question of whether to extract or not to extract wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, has raised debates for oral and maxillofacial surgeons and patients. Third molars develop when teens commence maturity. In some instances, third molars develop in wrong positions or do not get enough room for development thereby eliciting the need for extraction. The other reasons that bring forth the need to remove third molars include the risk of periodontal defects, dental crowding, pericoronitis and caries on the distal surface of odontogenic cysts. Objectives The current study aims to investigate whether it is appropriate to extract or not to extract third molar, within the selected setting. Method A cohort research design was utilized within the current study m which targeted 750 male and female participants from selected setting, Saudi Arabia. Results Some of the response options include recommend prophylactic removal of third molars among patients in most cases, recommend removal in instances where there is insufficient space or the path of eruption is poor, and finally remove third molars in the existence of pathology symptoms associated with third molars. Conclusions The current study results revealed that there were there is insufficient space or the path of eruption is poor, and finally removes third molars in the existence of pathology symptoms associated with third molars within the study setting.