Third molars: a threat to periodontal health??

The third molars have received the fair amount of interest in literature. It has been blamed for problems such as-lower incisor crowding, atypical facial pain, caries etc. They are considered as 'waste bins' in dental practices as they are regarded as functionally non-essential. While making the clinical decision, they are given less importance and often extraction is considered to be the treatment option. Despite periodontal problems that can arise with extracted third molars, retention of third molars can also lead to periodontal problems with the adjacent teeth in addition to teeth farther to third molars. Of late, it is very important to consider the periodontal problems while making the clinical decision. This review paper has been discussed keeping this as prime objective.