Is It Wise to Get Your Wisdom Teeth Pulled?

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The introduction of Novocaine in 1902 opened the door to routine “preventive” measures in dentistry, some of which are not proven beneficial to health. So, why do oral surgeons continue to recommend these often unnecessary, potentially harmful procedures? The answer can be found in one word.

STORY AT-A-GLANCE

• Estimates suggest [that] 5 million people have their wisdom teeth removed each year, and more than half may be completely unnecessary. According to a 2005 Cochrane Review, “Prudent decision-making, with adherence to specified indicators for removal, may reduce the number of surgical procedures by 60% or more.”
• There are no scientifically proven health benefits to removing wisdom teeth that don’t cause problems.
• Many oral health experts recommend extracting wisdom teeth only if they’re growing in at an odd angle, causing pain, are affected by tooth decay, or if they’re impacting other teeth or causing inflammation.
• Extracting wisdom teeth is not a risk-free procedure, even if you’re young. Risks associated with the surgery include poor wound healing, infection, dry socket, pain, uncontrolled bleeding, and nerve injury resulting in numbness around the mouth and face.
• Opioid addiction is another hidden risk, as most oral surgeons prescribe opioids for post-surgical pain. Research shows a combination of ibuprofen and acetaminophen works better than opioids for pain following wisdom tooth extraction, so avoid opioids at all costs.
• Root canal is another risky procedure that is largely driven by profit motives. Root canal-treated teeth often end up harboring harmful microbes, the toxic waste products of which can have systemic health impacts and contribute to a variety of chronic diseases, from chronic fatigue and chronic pain syndromes to heart disease and cancer.