The impacted lower wisdom tooth: to remove or to leave alone?

The management of impacted third molars, particularly the indications for their removal, is judged against a constantly changing climate of professional opinion, public attitudes to treatment and the funding of healthcare. These changes highlight the practitioner's dilemma: to remove an impacted wisdom tooth or to leave well alone? This article discusses the indications for and risks of wisdom tooth removal, and suggests guidelines for dealing with the dilemma.