title: Should second molars be extracted?
abstract: The effect of removal of the first premolar on the facial profile is controversial, and some orthodontists prefer to extract the second permanent molar as an alternative. However, this procedure is not widely practised in spite of the many advantages claimed for it. The arguments for and against the technique are described here. Practising orthodontists should take all these arguments into account when planning treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Child Dental Health, Bristol Dental School.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Sandy
mesh_terms: D003657:Decision Making; D006801:Humans; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000628:therapy; D008963:Molar / Q000601:surgery*; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000254:growth & development; D009971:Orthodontics, Corrective / Q000379:methods*; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D018579:Patient Selection; D013997:Time Factors; D014081:Tooth Extraction