HitsRus;1359719 wrote:I'm in the profession...and there is no real debate among dentists.

Therein lays the problem. They aren't exactly objective with a non-vested interest on the subject. The vast majority of these procedures ARE non-asymptomatic. And as far as cost/benefit, that is somewhat dubious because there are also risk/complications from the surgery. It's a low %, but then so is the potential to actually need them removed because of REAL (not potential, even with impacted) problems.

Sorry, but the dental industry is rife with upselling and recommending non-essential (worthless, in some cases) procedures and tests. There are a lot of good dentists out there, but there are also a lot looking to part you from as much money as they can.

I won't touch mine unless they are giving me issues. Which brings me to a question. What should I be looking for? What kinds of problems to they cause? How do I know if I'll need them out?

It's a low %, but then so is the potential to actually need them removed because of REAL (not potential, even with impacted) problems

What? You don't think after 30+ years I don't know my business? I said cost/benefit/ risk and that's a discussion that should take place between patient and doctor before ANY surgery.

Therein lays the problem. They aren't exactly objective with a non-vested interest on the subject. The vast majority of these procedures ARE non-asymptomatic

Sorry, but the dental industry is rife with upselling and recommending non-essential (worthless, in some cases) procedures and tests.

That's paints with a very broad brush. I am sure that there may be some incidents, but that's a cheap shot to to use the word 'rife'. Dentists that engage in that sort of behaviour are subject to disciplinary action and potential forfeiture of licensure by the State Dental Board. You can be pretty sure that when your family dentist is recommending wisdom teeth removal he is doing so because he think that's best. Most family dentists are going to refer wisdom teeth extractions to an outside oral surgeon's office....and NO they are not getting kickbacks because that is a violation of ethics and law. If you don't trust your dentist to give you an honest recommendation, then you should find another dentist.

All four of mine are grown in. I apparently had enough room. One feels a little crooked, but it's not painful or anything.

CSB