I really don't think it's an America only thing, since I sometimes feel like the only person who still has them in and I live in Europe.

In Germany they remove wisdom teeth without good reason as well. Don't even single out individual tooth but say 'all four out'. If you are youngish and trust the dentist, you'd have them removed.

In many other European countries they're less likely to do it only because it has to be done within private care and paid out of the pocket.

Source: personal experience.