IMPACTED THIRD MOLARS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF ORAL PATHOLOGIES: EVIDENCE FOR DIAGNOSIS AND SURGICAL PLANNING

Abstract

Third molars, known as wisdom teeth, have a complex anatomy and, in certain situations, exhibit characteristics of first and second molars. In addition to their morphology, their positions vary according to the literature, which makes it difficult to perform the procedure safely and with reduced risks without prior imaging. The objective of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the presence of impacted third molars and the development of associated oral pathologies. This study was designed as a literature review, with a qualitative and exploratory-descriptive approach. The following databases were consulted for the preparation of this study: Scientific Electronic Library Online (ScieLO), National Library of Medicine (PubMed), Web of Science (WoS), Scopus, and Capes Journals. To broaden the research, some Health Sciences Descriptors (DECS) were used: Odontogenic Cysts, Wisdom Teeth, Periodontal Disease, Oral Pathology, and Third Molars. The inclusion criteria were articles available free of charge in full PDF format, published between 2019 and 2025, in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. Articles that did not provide the full text, duplicate articles, preprints, and those not directly related to the theme of this study were excluded. First, we identified 325 studies for the composition of this work. Then, after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria that had already been defined, a total of 10 articles were selected for this study. It is concluded that the careful approach to impacted third molars should take into account not only the position of the tooth but also the potential risk of developing associated diseases.