Issues surrounding the management of patients requiring the removal of wisdom teeth

Abstract

Third molar (M3M) surgery is one of the most commonly performed NHS procedures and one of the riskiest undertaken in dentistry. Although there are numerous guidelines, standards and statutes on the use and indications for M3M, there is a lack of supporting evidence, particularly in relation to minimising complications. Here, the key issues surrounding M3M surgery in the UK are discussed, along with recommendations to improve NHS patient care.