Is it Wise to Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars.  They are called wisdom teeth because they come in much later than most other permanent teeth.  The upper teeth should fit slightly over the lower teeth.  The points of the molars should fit the grooves of the opposite lower molar.  The upper teeth keep you from biting your cheeks and lips, and your lower teeth protect your tongue.

For molars to properly grow in alongside all of your other teeth the oral space has to be adequate.  Since wisdom teeth come in so late for most people at 16 to 23 years old, there often isn’t enough room for them.  In fact, 85% of adults have at least one impacted wisdom tooth which means it does not fit.   

Is it wise to have your wisdom teeth removed?

 

 Wisdom teeth can cause problems for at least two reasons.  First, they are difficult to keep clean.  Without proper hygiene, cavities and gum disease can develop in them.  Second, the presence of wisdom teeth can cause crowding of your other teeth, making it harder to clean between them with floss.  Even if your wisdom teeth aren’t causing you any pain or discomfort right now, it may still be preferable to get them removed to avoid any problems in the months or years ahead.  The threat of periodontal disease and bone loss is what causes many people to have their wisdom teeth removed. 
 

Wisdom teeth removed

If you’re in your teens, you should have your wisdom teeth taken out to prevent future problems.  But if there’s no immediate sign of trouble or infection, you might be able to put things off for now.  However, if those teeth erupt with crowding and pain, then it’s probably necessary to have them removed. 

 

Wisdom teeth retained

If you’re pain and infection free, no worries.  However, there are some possible risks if you decide to have them removed later in life.  Infection in the gums or jawbone can occur.  This is called pericoronitis.  Wisdom teeth may push against your other teeth and move them out of line called malocclusion.  This might require adult orthodontic treatment.  If cavities develop on the backside of your second molars because they are difficult to clean, you might need a root canal treatment or tooth extraction.

 

Wisdom teeth and gum disease

There’s a strong link between impacted wisdom teeth and periodontitis gum disease causing tooth decay.  Impacted wisdom teeth are unable to grow through the gums or fully erupt from the mouth.  When wisdom teeth become impacted, the bacteria that causes tooth decay and periodontitis can build up around the gum line.  Then, bacterial plaque is able to settle in hard-to-reach areas, such as the edges of an impacted molar.  If you don’t get your wisdom teeth removed, food and other debris can become trapped in these pockets, causing further damage to your gums over time.  Saliva spreads the bacteria into surrounding teeth, potentially leading to more cavities and decay.  Eventually, the decay will cause more tooth loss. 
 

Impacted wisdom teeth

You may have read that a majority of wisdom teeth are never removed.  Studies show that over 50 percent of adults could benefit from having their wisdom teeth removed.  Of course, you don’t necessarily need to take your impacted wisdom teeth out just because they’re impacted.  However, if they cause you any pain whatsoever, it’s time to consider taking them out.
 

Complications

For those who haven’t had a dental surgery or sedation, they’re afraid of complications.  In reality, there are very few complications that come along with having your wisdom teeth removed.  The most patients don’t have much trouble with swelling, bruising, or bleeding.  If you do experience severe pain or swelling after your surgery, call your doctor immediately so they can intervene.  If bleeding gums or an infection develop, then seeing your doctor immediately will help prevent other serious complications from occurring.
 
Dental Sedation

Dental sedation is a method used to block pain and help patients relax during a dental procedure.  For the best dental care possible, sedation is often necessary during wisdom teeth extractions for the patient to remain calm and comfortable.  Knowing the patient is not experiencing pain or anxiety during an extraction allows the dentist to work more quickly and effectively.  Sedation is beneficial for both the patient and dental professional.

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At Dental Sedation Services, we provide high-quality, advanced dental anesthesia services to general dentists and dental specialists in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the New York metropolitan area. The anxiety that many patients experience when receiving dental care is significantly reduced when treated in a familiar environment. Our office-based anesthesia services make dentistry more accessible and affordable, while offering patients the convenience of receiving comprehensive dental care in their own dental practice. For more information, you can contact us at (732)986-3690, or visit our website.

Ami Patel