Q: My dentist suggested I have my wisdom teeth removed, however they’re not causing issues. Is wisdom teeth removal necessary?
Should I Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed: Pros and Cons
Wisdom teeth– the 3rd molars in the very back of your mouth– might not have to be eliminated if they are:
- Healthy
- Grown in entirely (completely erupted).
- Placed correctly and biting properly with their opposing teeth.
- Able to be cleaned as part of everyday hygiene practices.
Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to pain, damage to other teeth and other dental problems. Sometimes, impacted wisdom teeth might cause no apparent or instant problems. But since they’re tough to clean, they might be more vulnerable to dental caries and gum disease than other teeth are.
Many times, however, wisdom teeth don’t have space to grow effectively and can cause issues. Appearing wisdom teeth can grow at numerous angles in the jaw, in some cases even horizontally. Issues can include wisdom teeth that:
- Stay entirely concealed within the gums. If they aren’t able to emerge usually, wisdom teeth become caught (impacted) within your jaw. In some cases this can lead to infection or can cause a cyst that can damage other teeth roots or bone assistance.
- Emerge partially through the gums. Since this area is tough to see and tidy, wisdom teeth that partly emerge create a passageway that can become a magnet for bacteria that cause gum disease and oral infection.
- Crowd nearby teeth. If wisdom teeth don’t have sufficient space to come in correctly, they may crowd or damage neighboring teeth.
Some dentists advise getting rid of wisdom teeth if they do not completely emerge. Lots of dental professionals believe it’s much better to remove wisdom teeth at a younger age, prior to the roots and bone are totally formed, when recovery is typically faster after surgery. This is why some young adults have their wisdom teeth pulled before the teeth cause problems.
Inning accordance with the American Dental Association, wisdom teeth removal may be necessary if you experience modifications in the area of those teeth, such as:
- Pain.
- Repetitive infection of soft tissue behind the lower last tooth.
- Fluid-filled sacs (cysts).
- Growths.
- Damage to nearby teeth.
- Gum disease.
- Substantial tooth decay.
The choice to get rid of wisdom teeth isn’t constantly clear. Speak to your dental practitioner or an oral surgeon about the position and health of your wisdom teeth and what’s best for your situation.