Cysts and tumors associated with impacted third molars: is prophylactic removal justified?
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this retrospective analysis was to determine the frequency and type of cysts and tumors related to impacted third molars (ITMs) in Greek patients. Indications, complications, risks, and benefits of ITM removal are also discussed.


METHODS
Over a 12-year period, 7,782 third molars were removed in 6,182 patients.


RESULTS
Of the 417 specimens submitted for histopathologic examination, 167 cysts (40.04%) and 48 tumors (11.5%) were found.


CONCLUSIONS
Surgical removal of ITMs should only be performed in the presence of specific indications. Our study confirmed that the incidence of pathologic conditions related to ITMs is relatively low (2.77%).
Oral and Maxillofacial Department, General Hospital of Attica, Athens, Greece. pan_stath@yahoo.gr
Panagiotis
P
Stathopoulos
Michalis
M
Mezitis
Constantinos
C
Kappatos
Savas
S
Titsinides
Evaggelia
E
Stylogianni
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000564:Ameloblastoma / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D003795:Dental Sac / Q000473:pathology; D003803:Dentigerous Cyst / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006115:Greece / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007570:Jaw Cysts / Q000453:epidemiology*; D007573:Jaw Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D008339:Mandibular Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology; D008441:Maxillary Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D009807:Odontogenic Cysts / Q000453:epidemiology; D009808:Odontogenic Tumors / Q000453:epidemiology; D009810:Odontoma / Q000453:epidemiology; D010497:Pericoronitis / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014095:Tooth, Impacted / Q000453:epidemiology*; D055815:Young Adult