Impacted teeth: prophylactic extractions or not?

Pathologic changes related to impacted teeth are infrequent. However, considerable damage to bone and adjacent teeth may result if they do occur. Four patients are described in whom different circumstances existed with impacted teeth. Extractions are indicated when the anatomic location of the impacted teeth is most favorable and when the patient's systemic and hematologic condition is least compromising, even if the teeth are asymptomatic at that time.