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AJPH First Look, published online ahead of print Jul 31, 2007
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©
American Journal of Public Health, 10.2105/AJPH.2006.100271

Health Policy and Ethics

The Prophylactic Extraction of Third Molars: A Public Health Hazard

Jay W. Friedman 1*

1 non-affiliated

* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: drjfriedman{at}sbcglobal.net.


  Abstract

Ten million third molars (wisdom teeth) are extracted from approximately 5 million people in the United States each year at an annual cost of over $3 billion.

In addition, more than 11 million patient days of "standard discomfort or disability"—pain, swelling, bruising, and malaise—result postoperatively, and more than 11000 people suffer permanent paresthesia—numbness of the lip, tongue, and cheek—as a consequence of nerve injury during the surgery. At least two thirds of these extractions, associated costs, and injuries are unnecessary, constituting a silent epidemic of iatrogenic injury that afflicts tens of thousands of people with lifelong discomfort and disability.

It is a public health hazard that can be prevented by avoiding the prophylactic extraction of third molars.

Key Words: Dental/Oral Health, Epidemiology, Health Policy, Quality of Care, Injury/Emergency Care/Violence, Prevention




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