Third molar surgery: current concepts and controversies. Part 1.

The removal of impacted third molar teeth ranks as the commonest procedure in the practise of oral and maxillofacial surgery. It is the purpose of this review article to present the major controversies and correct some of the misconceptions associated with third molar surgery. This paper deals primarily with the discussion of the indications for the removal while part II describes the influence of a variety of factors upon the outcome of third molar surgery.