I had a problem with a single wisdom tooth (around 12 years ago? don't remember). I don't remember but I think it was starting to be impacted or something. It was quite sore and obviously needed to be removed. I don't remember the cost but it was something I could just manage to afford at the time (probably around $500 or something including the cleaning).

The dentist said I really needed to have the other three removed also. I can't remember why exactly they claimed I needed to do that. But it ballooned the cost up well over $1000 (maybe $1500, don't remember). When I said no the second time, they had the very pretty receptionist (/model?) come into the room and sit right next time me and explain again why I needed to have them out.

All told, I had to explain at least three times how I was definitely too broke to consider removing the other teeth. They didn't believe me and even asked again what my job was or something (was a low-paying job).

The other wisdom teeth never caused a problem like that one I had removed. Or any other problem that I am aware of. I actually haven't been to the dentist since. Not aware of any teeth falling out or anything obvious like pain. I think it would be good to get them cleaned one of these days though.

This one rings hard for me. My grandmother had a perfectly good wisdom tooth removed a few months ago, and it got horribly infected. Makes me angry thinking about it. I've also had dentists want to pull my wisdom teeth as well, which seems to just be a form of superstition for them.