Is It Wise to Get Your Wisdom Teeth Pulled?

The introduction of Novocaine in 1902 opened the door to routine 'preventive' measures in dentistry, some of which are not proven beneficial to health.

STORY AT-A-GLANCE

• Estimates suggest 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 …