Can Wisdom Teeth be the Winning Lotto Ticket in Your Child’s Mouth?

 A study suggests that the early prophylactic removal of developing third molars (wisdom teeth) can avoid future surgical problems and expenses. The developing tooth bud can supply valuable pluripotent stem cells that may be used to treat diabetes and liver disease or for anti-aging or regenerative medicine. The surgical removal of wisdom teeth has risks, including a 6% chance of permanent numbness of the tongue, lip, gums, or teeth. There is also significant discomfort during or following the procedure. However, compared to the removal of the developing tooth germ or tooth bud is a low-risk procedure that is done with minimal trauma or post-op complications. Also, more importantly, this developing tooth bud is an ideal source of powerful multi or pluripotent stem cells.