title: The criteria for lower second molar extraction.
abstract: The benefits of lower second molar extraction are substantially reduced if the third molar fails to erupt into a satisfactory position. The selection criteria offered by the literature have been tested in a sample of 51 patients. Prediction is uncertain and cases should be followed until such time as a satisfactory third molar position has been achieved. Failure may be unilateral and more often on the right side. The need for follow-up treatment is subjective but may be as many as one in five patients.
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Dacre
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003724:Dental Arch / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008963:Molar / Q000601:surgery*; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D009805:Odontogenesis; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012690:Serial Extraction; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D014095:Tooth, Impacted / Q000175:diagnosis*