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The prophylactic extraction of third molars: A public health hazard

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  • Friedman, J.W.

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. Avoidance of prophylactic extraction of third molars can prevent this public health hazard.

Suggested Citation

  • Friedman, J.W., 2007. "The prophylactic extraction of third molars: A public health hazard," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 97(9), pages 1554-1559.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2006.100271_9
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2006.100271
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    Cited by:

    1. Jan Schmidt & Martina Kunderova & Nela Pilbauerova & Martin Kapitan, 2021. "A Review of Evidence-Based Recommendations for Pericoronitis Management and a Systematic Review of Antibiotic Prescribing for Pericoronitis among Dentists: Inappropriate Pericoronitis Treatment Is a C," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-24, June.
    2. Zubair Ahmed & Ashvini Kishor Vadane, 2017. "Difficult Extraction of Post-Endodontically Treated Upper Second molar : A Case Report," Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research, Biomedical Research Network+, LLC, vol. 1(6), pages 1560-1561, October.

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