Why oral surgeons may suggest keeping healthy wisdom teeth

Oral surgeons are moving away from the routine removal of wisdom teeth (third molars), advocating for the preservation of healthy teeth. Surgery is not required if the molar is positioned correctly, does not cause inflammation, and does not interfere with adjacent teeth. In certain cases, these teeth serve as biological resources for restoring the dental arch, acting as natural grafts when other chewing elements are lost. Criteria for Preservation and Extraction The decision to operate is based on evident pathology or high risks of complications. According to surgeon Maria Kontrebutz, as reported by Gazeta.Ru, a tilt or partial eruption is not an automatic reason for extraction. Intervention is necessary only when the tooth puts pressure on the adjacent molar, destroys its roots, or causes chronic caries and gingival inflammation in areas difficult to clean. Absolute indications for removal include: